Hull received a record 5.1m visits last year, according to new figures. Research commissioned by Visit Hull and East Yorkshire says total trips have risen 6.4 per cent since 2012, making the local visitor economy worth £274m.

Spencer Tunick’s recent naked mass art installation saw all the city’s hotels full as thousands flocked to Hull to take part, and another one million visitors are expected next year.

The figures also show a three per cent rise in domestic overnight trips, three per cent in overseas visits and five per cent in day trips. Day trip expenditure saw a five per cent increase to £148.8m, whilst £206.4m was spent on trips to Hull in 2015 by overnight and day visitors, up four per cent in the last year alone.

Anthony Yates, Tourism Manager for Visit Hull and East Yorkshire said: “It is incredibly encouraging to see visits to Hull on the rise and the contribution to the local economy and job creation offers a real boost to the city.

“The recent positive press we’ve had from national and international tourism bodies and travel bloggers are helping to change old perceptions of the city and as 2017 nears.”

Chief executive of Hull 2017 Martin Green added: “These figures are a fantastic boost for Hull as it prepares to welcome even more visitors from across the country and around the world in 2017.

“Being UK City of Culture is an unprecedented opportunity to build on that momentum.”