Social media influencers set to discover our fantastic city during #INLeedsweekend

Press release on behalf of Visit Leeds

Visit Leeds has welcomed a group of bloggers and social media influencers to the city this week as they host their first ever #INLeedsweekend.

#INLeedsweekend kicked off on Thursday evening until Saturday and is part of a wider initiative to promote Leeds as a premium European city break destination in the UK.

Over the course of the three day trip, influencers from across the UK will explore some of the best spots in Leeds for heritage, culture and food and drink.

At the same time, Leeds has been chosen to host two of the world’s leading travel influencers identified by Visit Britain who are extending their visit to the UK after attending the Social Travel Summit in Belfast.

Each guest has been given an individual itinerary to suit their interests and will take part in activities such as a private tour of Leeds Art Gallery and the Royal Armouries, a brewery tour at Northern Monk and a ‘safari supper’ dining experience at Victoria Leeds.

Last year, Leeds welcomed 29.01 million tourism visits, a 6.3% increase from 2016. During #INLeedsweekend, Visit Leeds will be showing influencers from across the UK exactly why these numbers are on the rise.

Influencers will post on their popular social media channels and blogs about the trip, providing great publicity for our fantastic city with a worldwide reach.

There is already another #INLeedsweekend planned for November, where Visit Leeds will showcase Christmas in the city. If you are a Leeds business or a UK blogger and would like to be involved with this or future #INLeeds events please email info@visitleeds.org.uk.

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council said:

“Leeds is a world-class city with a thriving economy and tourism plays a vital role in its success, benefitting everyone who lives and works here. We are fortunate to be able to live and work in such an incredible city and I’m thrilled that we are able to show the world some of the great things we have to offer during the first #INLeedsweekend.”

Claire Heap, Visitor Economy Manager for Visit Leeds said:

“We can’t wait to host our first #INLeedsweekend this week. Our itinerary is jam packed full of experiences that showcase Leeds as the fun, diverse and exciting city we all know and love. It has been fantastic to see so many organisations from across the city come together to support this event and we hope their support will continue to grow for future #INLeeds events.”

Visit Leeds would like to thank the following for supporting #INLeedsweekend:

Leeds Kirkgate Market, The Ivy, Harvey Nichols, Issho, Victoria Gate, North Star Coffee Roasters, The Royal Armouries, Leeds Art Gallery, John Lewis, Headrow House, The Maven, Shears Yard, Radisson Blu, Yorkshire Evening Post, Bundobust, Iberica, Northern Monk, Victoria Leeds

To stay in the loop with what’s happening during the trip follow the hashtags #INLeedsweekend and #VisitLeeds.

Becky Stubbs, Leeds City Council press office

Tel: 0113 3786199

Email: rebecca.stubbs@leeds.gov.uk

Notes to editors:

If you wish to interview any #INLeedsweekend attendees please get in touch.

VisitLeeds is an organisation run by Leeds City Council that aims to promote and showcase the variety of attractions on offer in Leeds and the surrounding area. Their vision is for Leeds to be a world-class, modern and historic European destination with a reputation for a vibrant and creative cultural scene set against the backdrop of rich heritage and outstanding architecture

Leeds is the third largest and one of the fastest growing cities in the UK, attracting over 29 million visitors annually from both the UK and abroad.

One of the greenest cities in Europe, Leeds is the third best shopping destination in the UK outside of London, and has a unique array of independent and well -known retail firms gracing the city centre and beyond.

Leeds boasts four major theatres, over 16 museums and galleries. A thriving economy boasts strengths in financial and professional services, manufacturing, health and digital, and with excellent road, rail and air links, it is a perfect gateway for tourist and business visitors to the Yorkshire region.

Leeds is also a world class sporting destination having hosted the greatest ever Grand Depart in 2014, Rugby League and Union World Cups and this year hosting the ITU World Triathlon Series for the third year running as well as being home to Yorkshire Cricket, Leeds United and Leeds Rhinos. The home of Yorkshire County Cricket, Headingley Stadium will host four games in the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2019.