A CAMPAIGNER is set to launch an initiative aimed at supporting the regions local, small and medium-sized businesses that operate in the tourism industry.

George Jabbour, who is set to stand in the upcoming North Yorkshire Council election, announced last week that he was launching We are Yorkshire.

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The initiative officially launched on Monday last week and has been developing a website, growing its social media presence and liaising with local stakeholders including local authorities in Yorkshire.

It comes after Welcome to Yorkshire annnounced at the start of this month that “with deep regret” that it will go into administration following an “incredibly difficult” past three years.

Chair of the agency, Peter Box said the decision was made after the impact of Covid, financial issues and “well-publicised legacy issues.”

Mr Box continued to argue that the De Bois review of Destination Management Organisations could have given Welcome to Yorkshire the “long-term funding required to move on.”

However, the decisions of Yorkshire Leaders not to commit to a multi-year funding package “removed that pathway” and means Welcome to Yorkshire “cannot continue in its present form.”

Mr Box added that he wanted to pay tribute to the team of “talented and dedicated” staff working to promote “Yorkshire’s many attractions.”

The agency was hit by expenses scandles and bullying claims in 2019, forcing the then CEO Gary Verity to resign.

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His departure was later followed by the resignation of chairman Ron McMillan.

James Mason took the helm in December 2019, but announced in September 2020 that he would be stepping down after less than two years in the role.

In February last year new documents also revealed that Welcome to Yorkshire had spent £430,000 removing and investiging its former Chief Executive, Sir Gary Verity.

Mr Jabbour says the We are Yorkshire initiative is being advised by a Yorkshire-based tourism expert.

He has set up a number of community projects in the past, including a registered charity to help vulnerable and elderly residents during the pandemic.

Mr Jabbour added that he felt the charity “brought together elected representatives from across the political divide.”

The charity also won national recognition from Healthwatch England which monitors health and social care  across the UK.

Mr Jabbour said: "I'm extremely excited to announce the launch of We are Yorkshire. We are fortunate to live in a beautiful region, which is why I set up this private initiative.

“The project aims to celebrate everything Yorkshire, attract more visitors to Yorkshire and much more.”

Councillor Gareth Dadd, Deputy Leader of North Yorkshire County Council said that Yorkshire needed “as many people as possible to spread the word about our wonderful county.”

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He said: “The more organisations and groups that promote Yorkshire, the better it is. We have so much to offer and we need as many people as possible to spread the word about our wonderful county."

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