Great news for coach visitors today as Otley got an official seal of approval from the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) which awarded the town official Coach Friendly Town, City and Village status.

Otley became the second town in Yorkshire (after Beverley) and one of only a select handful across the country to receive the prestigious accolade from the CPT – a national trade association representing bus and coach companies. The award recognises the town’s commitment to ensuring visiting coach groups have access to great facilities, information and outstanding products.

The CPT highlighted Otley’s improved tourism offering for visitors, including printed materials and signage, as well as coach-specific facilities such as dedicated free coach parking and a coach drivers’ refreshment voucher scheme, as key reasons for awarding the status.

The award was made in a ceremony today at Otley Town Council’s Core resource centre. Present were CPT’s Nothern and Yorkshire regions manager Andrew McGuinness, Otley town councillors, Leedy city councillors and representatives of Otley Town Partnership.

The CPT’s Andrew McGuinness said: “We congratulate Otley on the award of Coach Friendly Status. The town and local businesses work hard to welcome coaches making it very attractive to passengers thanks to its mix of history, great independent shops and a popular market. For coach drivers and operators, the availability of parking, central pick-up and drop-off facilities and clear signage makes it a great place to visit. Well done Otley!”

Chair of Otley Town Council’s Trade and Tourism Committee Cllr Paul Carter said: “As one of the gateways to the Yorkshire Dales but only 10 miles from Leeds, the historic market town Otley is increasingly becoming a key tourism destination for visitors to Yorkshire. The award of the CPT’s Coach Friendly status demonstrates the value we place on tourism and the benefits it brings to the town, its businesses, residents and visitors.”