WIREDGOV

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates has yesterday outlined how tourism in Wales is in a strong position and looking forward to 2015 with a renewed confidence and vigour.

The Deputy Minister, said: 

“Recent figures speak for themselves.  We’ve seen that overseas visitors to Wales increased by 14% in the first nine months of 2014 which shows that we are ahead of the game in attracting overseas visitors as markets recover and we’ve also seen an increase in our market share of domestic visitors. 

“The results of the Wales Occupancy Survey also show that the NATO Summit proved to be a significant boost to business for hotels in South East and South West Wales during September 2014 with figures showing a 9% increase over September 2013.   All indications are that 2014 could be on a par with 2013 – which was an exceptional year for Wales. 

“We’ve this week launched the latest phase of ‘Have you packed for Wales?’ the UK and Ireland marketing campaign with a new edit of the Marc Evans TV advert. 

“This campaign concentrates on the family adventures which can be had in Wales and will aim to change perceptions of Wales and raise awareness of the variety of activities and adventure which can be had within our amazing landscape. There are plenty of opportunities to try something new for the first time.

“This campaign is the beginning of a new wave of marketing activity in the UK and overseas over the next few months.  Further campaign activity is expected to begin on March 1 with a new TV advert being made ready for March. 

“The campaign is proving to be a success and Visit Wales 2014-15 marketing activity is on track to deliver £190 million in additional expenditure in the Wales visitor economy.

“Tourism touches all parts of Wales and the geographical spread of employment generated by the tourism sector is one of its key strengths when compared to other sectors of the economy. It is the number-one industry in some rural communities, sustaining the local economy and culture.  Tourism makes a vital contribution to the Welsh economy from a sector which supports 14.9% of jobs in Wales.

“The Welsh Government places a huge importance on tourism. Tourism is one of our nine priority sectors which are key to the economy of Wales. We are supporting the tourism sector in Wales to make sure the industry’s potential economic contribution is fully realised and celebrated.  We are on track to deliver the 10% growth in the industry by 2020 as outlined in our tourism strategy ’Partnership for growth’.  

“There are many exciting developments taking place this year. The Welsh Government has continued to invest in iconic, reputation changing products such as Surf Snowdonia which will open in 2015 and will be Europe’s first inland surfing lagoon and the Royal Mint Visitor Centre will also open this year.   There are a number of other excellent new attractions in place for 2015, ranging from the high adrenalin new zipwire zone and underground trampolines in North Wales, through to the reopening of Dolaucothi Gold Mines in Carmarthenshire and the opening of new developments at our National History Museum, St Fagans.  

“We look forward to building on the success of 2014 and to welcoming more visitors to Wales during 2015."