The York World Heritage Steering Group has identified a number of areas where designation will bring benefits to the City. These benefits relate to education, tourism, business, regeneration, conservation, protection and community pride and engagement.
Though York is already a very popular heritage visitor destination, the inscription would confirm the world-class quality of the city's archaeological deposits and its academic reputation. Designation will recognise and enhance York's long- standing commitment to enthuse school pupils, students and the public at large with hands-on experience of archaeology in unique surroundings.
As a World Heritage Site, York would be an exemplar of how it is possible to operate a successful conservation policy, safeguarding the city's below-ground history for future generations, whilst presenting archaeology in an informative and entertaining way to benefit tourism and the local community, and ensures that the city continues to embrace change.
We believe World Heritage Site status will:
help to preserve the beautiful city in which we live and work;
improve the quality and enjoyment of life for residents and visitors;
recognise that York’s heritage is world class;
increase inward investment, business development and the quality of the visitor experience;
encourage a diverse and thriving economy;
raise the city’s profile globally;
build on and safeguard York’s tourism successes, currently 7 million visitors a year who spend £443 million creating nearly 23,000 jobs;
recognise and build on the sense of pride York residents have in the historic environment of the city.