A CAMPAIGN which hopes to turn York into the number one tourist venue in the country has been officially launched.

The major marketing drive has been launched this week to lure more tourists to the city and the tourism bureau will hit 40,000 homes with the message 'stay, just a little bit longer'.

Visitors who take part in the promotion will be able to book a three-night break from as little as £59 and benefit from offers at the city's attractions, restaurants and shops.

The campaign hopes to encourage thousands to stay in the city and increase its share of domestic tourism at a time when visits from the US are still at an all-time low.

More than 100 of York's tourist businesses are backing the campaign that the tourism bureau believes will reinforce York as a "vibrant, stylish and spirited" city.

Marketing manager of the tourism bureau, Craig Wilson, said: "Our latest campaign not only aims to position York as the number one preferred tourist destination in the UK, it also aims at getting our visitors to stay here for longer.

"With Christmas just around the corner, there has never been a better time to book a short break in York. We're confident this new initiative will make the tourist information centre phones red hot.