TOURISM chiefs in Yorkshire have launched a campaign to charm would-be visitors to the region from Germany and the Netherlands.

The Yorkshire Tourist Board is staging a series of events to promote the county as a destination for short breaks and touring holidays.

Chief executive Gary Verity said: “We are determined to bring the world to Yorkshire.

“I am feeling extremely positive that with the strength of the euro the work we and our partners are undertaking in international markets will pay off.

“This, together with an expected increase in domestic tourism, is good news for firms and tourism operators across the region.”

The Netherlands campaign features advertising in trade publications, press visits for travel writers and promotion via the VisitBritain website.

The tourist board is also aiming to build on its success in Germany.

In 2007 12% of visitors to the region were from Germany, accounting for 8% of total spending by international visitors.

The latest campaign aims to remind Germans that they can get to the region via the Jet2.com route to Leeds-Bradford Airport.

It will also target the business and leisure markets in the Rhine region.

The German promotion features online advertisements, targeted e-newsletters, newspaper and magazine promotions and group and individual press visits.