Yorkshire - the happiest place in the country
Release Date: September 7, 2011
People living in Yorkshire are the happiest in the UK according to major new national research out this week.
Almost six in ten people in Yorkshire say that they are satisfied with their lives compared to a national average of 50 per cent, according to Mintel's annual British Lifestyles survey.
By contrast, those living in London are the least content, with fewer than half of Londoners admitting to being happy.
Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: "We're not at all surprised given that Yorkshire is not only blessed with some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the world, but also some of the friendliest people on the planet. Who wouldn't be happy living in 'God's Own County'? Rolling countryside and major cities offer something for everyone."
Alexandra Richmond, Mintel's Senior Consumer and Lifestyles Analyst, said: "Mintel research shows that people living in Yorkshire and Humberside are the happiest in the UK - almost six in 10 are satisfied with their lives. There will be many reasons for their contentment with life although a good community spirit and beautiful scenery (it is known as God's own county of course) will no doubt help with the sunnier outlook of Yorkshire people."
The great news follows other independent surveys released this summer which revealed more people are choosing to spend more time and money in Yorkshire.
The International Passenger Survey showed the amount of money generated by overseas visitors holidaying in Yorkshire during the peak summer months has almost doubled in two years.
And indicating a great start to 2011, the Great Britain Travel Survey which stated visits to Yorkshire grew by 14% compared to the same period last year. Yorkshire experienced 25% growth in visitor spend compared to a 5% increase in the UK. Lengths of stay also increased by an outstanding 15% in Yorkshire compared with a 2% decrease nationally.
Mr Verity added: "This is further evidence that Yorkshire is a unique and amazing place to visit and live, firmly placing the county in the shop window for UK and overseas visitors."
.
- ENDS -
Editors' Notes:
- Welcome to Yorkshire is the official destination management organisation for Yorkshire, working to grow the county's visitor economy.
- Welcome to Yorkshire is funded by Yorkshire Forward, the Regional Development Agency charged with improving the Yorkshire and Humber economy.
- Key facts include:
- Tourism in Yorkshire is worth £7 billion annually
- The county's industry employs almost a quarter of a million people
- There are 216 million visits to Yorkshire each year
For more news and a free image bank /mediacentre
For further information contact:
Graham Poucher - Press Officer
Email: gpoucher@yorkshire.com
Direct Line: 0113 322 3578
Mobile: 07805 958728
Beverley Richmond - Press Officer
Email: brichmond@yorkshire.com
Direct Line: 0113 322 3507
Mobile: 07769 257380