Transdev is teaming up with the tourism agency Welcome to Yorkshire to build tourism back in the region.
The partnership will see the two organisations work to welcome visitors back to Yorkshire as pandemic restrictions relax, attracting tourism in a sustainable manner with bus at its heart.
Encouraging bus use among walkers will be a cornerstone of the campaign. A project under the portmanteau ‘walkshire’ will promote the county as the “walking capital of the world” alongside fundraising events.
“We’re excited about this partnership as we see great potential for the bus to play a leading role at the heart of a revived visitor economy in Yorkshire,” says Transdev CEO Alex Hornby. “Our two organisations share a passion for all things Yorkshire, and with our combined expertise we know we can make a huge difference to the restart of tourism, benefiting hundreds of businesses and supporting jobs in a sector which has been through so much in the last 12 months.
“We know that people currently can’t travel with us for non-essential reasons, but with the predicted end of travel restrictions not far away, we’re already preparing to welcome visitors back to enjoy the amazing views from our buses across the region, restoring normal timetables and adding many more journeys so everyone can travel in comfort and safety. Many people have been longing to return to Yorkshire’s cities and countryside, and we can take them there without all the damage that queues of cars bring with them.
“Welcome to Yorkshire’s ‘Walkshire’ campaign is a brilliant idea, and by working together to promote sustainable travel we can deliver all of its benefits without the downside of congested roads, delays and pollution.”
Adds Welcome to Yorkshire Chief Executive James Mason: “This is a great time for us to work hand-in-hand with Transdev to promote clean and safe travel to many of the most beautiful and inspiring places across our magnificent county.
“When travel restrictions are lifted, Transdev’s buses will once again offer an easy and accessible way to reach and enjoy the historic landmarks of our cities and the glorious scenery of two national parks, while leaving the car behind to help protect our special environment from congestion and pollution.”