BUSINESS leaders behind the conference and exhibition trade in Harrogate say trade continues to be buoyant.
Harrogate is the third most important venue behind London and Glasgow as a conference centre.
But Paul Lewis, director of the town's International Centre, has warned: "It is at times like these that we must not be complacent."
The centre's latest exhibition hall has just celebrated its first anniversary and continues to perform well.
It has already welcomed Cafe North, the Healthfood exhibition and the International Cycle Show.
"All this investment and business planning is to maintain our position and the future of Harrogate as a major business and tourism destination," said Mr Lewis.
Latest figures show business visitors spend £139m a year while holidaymakers bring a further £70m into the local economy, which is said to underpin 7,000 jobs and keep unemployment figures particularly low.
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