Latest news with #WalesTourismWeek


Powys County Times
17-05-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Powys holiday park hailed after being named best in Wales
An award winning leisure park in Powys received praise by Montgomeryshire MS Russell George as part of Wales Tourism Week. The Montgomeryshire Senedd Member visited Meadow Springs Country & Leisure Park, a touring and holiday home park in Trefeglwys to congratulate the team on recent award wins as part of Wales Tourism Week celebrations. Opened in February 2022, the park is owned by Jonathan Williams and Lisa Hughes, and recently received the 'Best Caravan, Camping & Glamping' award at the National Tourism Awards for Wales. Clive Bowen, service manager at Meadow Springs Country & Leisure Park said: "At Meadow Springs, we're proud to offer a wide range of leisure facilities to suit all interests and ages. "Whether it's paddleboarding or kayaking on our crystal-clear spring water lake, casting a line in our private stretch of river, or letting the kids explore our adventure play area, there's something for everyone. Guests can also enjoy scenic walks or cycle along our all-weather paths through the park. 'And at the heart of it all is Arthur's Restaurant & Bar, where we serve hearty, home-cooked meals made with locally sourced ingredients in a relaxed, friendly setting. 'I'm glad we had the opportunity to show Russell around what we believe, is a unique selling point for mid Wales tourism." During his visit, Russell George toured the park's facilities, learning about the park's recent £4 million investment, and its future investment of £3 million in new spa facilities with a swimming pool, sauna and gym. He said: 'The exceptional transformation over the last couple of years of the Meadow Springs site highlights the extraordinary innovation that is taking place in mid Wales' tourism industry. "Meadow Springs offers incredible opportunities for visitors, contributing significantly to our local economy and showcases the best of what our area has to offer. 'They continue to invest in improving the site to make it a truly unique mid Wales experience. 'I congratulate Jonathan, Lisa, and service manager Clive Bowen and their team on winning the award for 'Best Caravan, Camping & Glamping' at the National Tourism Awards for Wales, this is a testament to their hard work. The team are not resting on their laurels and it was exciting to hear about their future plans which will only enhance their offer to visitors but also the local community.'


Business News Wales
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Tourism Projects Set to Share £5m To 'Get the Basics Right'
Tourism projects which are set to receive a share of millions of pounds to invest in getting the basics right have been announced. The £5 million Brilliant Basics fund supports schemes that deliver improvements to essential visitor infrastructure at tourism destinations. The Welsh Government's Cabinet Secretary with responsibility for tourism, Rebecca Evans, announced the full list of projects set to benefit between 2025 and 2027 during Wales Tourism Week. They include new changing facilities on Barry Island, glamping pods in Carmarthenshire and campervan parking facilities across Denbighshire. The latest round of funding will mean the Welsh Government has provided over £15 million towards Brilliant Basics since the fund was established in 2021. The Cabinet Secretary said: 'I am delighted to announce this significant investment in tourism infrastructure as Visit Wales' latest campaign – 'Year of Croeso' – continues to share our warm 'croeso' and unique 'hwyl' with the world. 'Tourism is a vital part of the Welsh economy, but we recognise that increased visitor numbers can sometimes put pressure on local infrastructure, particularly in popular destinations. This funding will help address these challenges while supporting our commitment to sustainable, inclusive tourism. 'By investing in these basic but essential facilities, we are not only enhancing the visitor experience but also supporting local communities and protecting our natural environment for generations to come.' Priority areas for this funding round included alleviating pressures at tourism 'hot spots', promoting environmentally sustainable destinations, enhancing accessibility, and improving the overall visitor experience. The Cabinet Secretary recently visited Ynysangharad War Memorial Park in Pontypridd, which was previously awarded £288,000 from the fund to create an accessible event space within the park. Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council invested in transforming an under-utilised area into an event space with an accessible pathway and improved entrance. The space now provides a flexible venue for cultural events and performances, catering to both community needs and visitors. Cllr Mark Norris, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council's Cabinet Member for Prosperity and Development, said: 'It's fitting the important Brilliant Basics funding was announced following a visit to the new events space in beautiful Ynysangharad War Memorial Park. 'The space was made possible thanks to past Brilliant Basics funding and has been, or will be, used for a range of important community events in the park, including the Big Welsh Bite, VE Day commemorations and, of course, 'the best Eisteddfod ever,' which was held in Pontypridd in 2024 and welcomed tens of thousands of people to the park, to Pontypridd's shops and eateries of Pontypridd and to attractions across our county borough. 'We are pleased to work with the Welsh Government to secure such funding on behalf of Rhondda Cynon Taf and look forward to the opportunities Brilliant Basics will present for Clydach Vale Countryside Park, for which we have secured funding this year.'


Wales Online
14-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Motorhome stops, Llandudno revamp and better beaches on list of new tourism projects
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Get the latest Wales Online breaking news on WhatsApp Tourism projects in Wales are set to receive a share of millions of pounds to invest in getting the basics right for visitors. The £5m Brilliant Basics fund supports schemes that deliver improvements to essential visitor infrastructure at tourism destinations across the length and breadth of the country. Announcing the full list of projects set to benefit between 2025 and 2027 today during Wales Tourism Week, the Cabinet Secretary with responsibility for tourism, Rebecca Evans, said the fund plays a part in ensuring all visitors continue to receive a warm Welsh welcome The Cabinet Secretary said: 'Tourism is a vital part of the Welsh economy, but we recognise that increased visitor numbers can sometimes put pressure on local infrastructure, particularly in popular destinations. This funding will help address these challenges while supporting our commitment to sustainable, inclusive tourism. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now "By investing in these basic but essential facilities, we are not only enhancing the visitor experience but also supporting local communities and protecting our natural environment for generations to come.' North Wales list of projects : Conwy ■ Porth Eirias Visitor Amenities: Improvements to toilets and changing facilities at Porth Eirias, Colwyn Bay Waterfront including improved facilities for disabled users. ■ Llandudno Colonnade Enhancements: The restoration of a scenic 'viewing platform' in Llandudno with improved accessibility. (Image: Google) Denbighshire ■ Motorhome/Campervan Aire Provision for Denbighshire : Campervan parking facilities across the County Eryri National Park ■ Discovery centre: The establishment of a visitor Discovery Centre at Betws y Coed. ■ Public toilet improvements (Llyn Cwellyn, Llangywer and Nant Gwynant): Toilet and parking improvements at key visitor honey pot sites in Eryri National Park. Flintshire ■ Connecting Coast to Countryside: New interpretation and signage at key sites within the Flintshire Coast Park. Gwynedd ■ Parc Padarn – Fit for the Future: Visitor infrastructure, carbon reduction and wayfinding improvements at the Gilfach Ddu site, Padarn Country Park, Llanberis. ■ Mwyniant ein Arfordir: Improvements to enhance visitors' enjoyment and safety at beaches in Gwynedd with a focus on Morfa Bychan and Pwllheli. Wrexham ■ Wrexham City Centre: Pedestrian wayfinding signs in Wrexham and a new 6ft Wrexham/Wrecsam gateway sign. ■ Trevor Basin (Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal World Heritage Site main arrival point). Refurbishment of toilet facilities and the addition of a new disabled changing places toilet along with digital signage. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox


North Wales Live
14-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Motorhome stops, Llandudno revamp and better beaches on list of new tourism projects
Tourism projects in Wales are set to receive a share of millions of pounds to invest in getting the basics right for visitors. The £5m Brilliant Basics fund supports schemes that deliver improvements to essential visitor infrastructure at tourism destinations across the length and breadth of the country. Announcing the full list of projects set to benefit between 2025 and 2027 today during Wales Tourism Week, the Cabinet Secretary with responsibility for tourism, Rebecca Evans, said the fund plays a part in ensuring all visitors continue to receive a warm Welsh welcome The Cabinet Secretary said: 'Tourism is a vital part of the Welsh economy, but we recognise that increased visitor numbers can sometimes put pressure on local infrastructure, particularly in popular destinations. This funding will help address these challenges while supporting our commitment to sustainable, inclusive tourism. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now "By investing in these basic but essential facilities, we are not only enhancing the visitor experience but also supporting local communities and protecting our natural environment for generations to come.' North Wales list of projects : Conwy ■ Porth Eirias Visitor Amenities: Improvements to toilets and changing facilities at Porth Eirias, Colwyn Bay Waterfront including improved facilities for disabled users. ■ Llandudno Colonnade Enhancements: The restoration of a scenic 'viewing platform' in Llandudno with improved accessibility. Denbighshire ■ Motorhome/Campervan Aire Provision for Denbighshire: Campervan parking facilities across the County Eryri National Park ■ Discovery centre: The establishment of a visitor Discovery Centre at Betws y Coed. ■ Public toilet improvements (Llyn Cwellyn, Llangywer and Nant Gwynant): Toilet and parking improvements at key visitor honey pot sites in Eryri National Park. Flintshire ■ Connecting Coast to Countryside: New interpretation and signage at key sites within the Flintshire Coast Park. Gwynedd ■ Parc Padarn – Fit for the Future: Visitor infrastructure, carbon reduction and wayfinding improvements at the Gilfach Ddu site, Padarn Country Park, Llanberis. ■ Mwyniant ein Arfordir: Improvements to enhance visitors' enjoyment and safety at beaches in Gwynedd with a focus on Morfa Bychan and Pwllheli. Wrexham ■ Wrexham City Centre: Pedestrian wayfinding signs in Wrexham and a new 6ft Wrexham/Wrecsam gateway sign. ■ Trevor Basin (Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal World Heritage Site main arrival point). Refurbishment of toilet facilities and the addition of a new disabled changing places toilet along with digital signage.


Pembrokeshire Herald
13-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Carmarthenshire celebrates tourism investment during Wales Tourism Week
Visit Pembrokeshire marks Wales Tourism Week by highlighting the county's vital visitor economy VISIT PEMBROKESHIRE is marking Wales Tourism Week 2025 by shining a spotlight on the county's thriving visitor economy – a key pillar of local life that is both culturally enriching and economically essential. Tourism in Pembrokeshire contributes an estimated £604 million to the local economy each year, welcoming over 6.3 million visitors and supporting 23% of all local employment. It stands alongside energy and agriculture as one of the county's three economic cornerstones. However, the value of tourism goes far beyond economic impact. It supports local supply chains, preserves cultural and natural heritage, and helps sustain services in rural communities. As the only UK National Park primarily designated for its coastal landscape, Pembrokeshire's natural beauty continues to attract visitors from around the world. Neil Kedward: Chair of Visit Pembrokeshire Neil Kedward, Chief Executive of Seren Collection and Chair of Visit Pembrokeshire, said: 'Tourism is the lifeblood of Pembrokeshire – it supports thousands of livelihoods, sustains our rural communities, and showcases the very best of Welsh culture and our extraordinary land and seascapes to the world. 'Its value goes beyond visitor spend. It fuels and binds our local supply chains, sustains hospitality and creative businesses, and keeps vital services working in rural areas. 'As we mark Wales Tourism Week, it's time to recognise not only the economic value of our visitors, but the way tourism enriches lives, preserves our heritage, and strengthens our sense of place. Investing in sustainable, high-quality tourism really is investing in the future of Pembrokeshire and the wellbeing of our communities.' Tourism in the county is a diverse and dynamic ecosystem, encompassing accommodation providers, attractions, activity organisers, artists, retailers, food and drink producers, heritage organisations and more. Despite its diversity, 99% of tourism-related businesses in Pembrokeshire are microbusinesses—many operating in remote or rural locations. Emma Thornton, Chief Executive of Visit Pembrokeshire Emma Thornton Visit Pembrokeshire Chief Executive added: 'We support and connect businesses and organisations involved in tourism with each other, and our mantra is 'stronger together'. Visit Pembrokeshire is the glue that brings people together, delivering Pembrokeshire's 2024–28 Destination Management Plan in collaboration with public and private sector partners.' Visit Pembrokeshire was launched in November 2020 as the county's official Destination Management Organisation (DMO) – the first of its kind in Wales. Its role is to champion sustainable, year-round tourism that balances the needs of visitors with those of residents, while spreading footfall more evenly across the county to ease pressure on popular hotspots. Recognises important role of tourism in Pembrokeshire: Henry Tufnell MP Local MP Henry Tufnell also praised the sector, saying: 'Tourism is absolutely central to Pembrokeshire – not only as a cornerstone of our local economy, but as a reflection of the pride we take in our landscapes, heritage and communities. 'While the sector has faced real challenges in recent years, the dedication and resilience shown by local businesses, supported by organisations like Visit Pembrokeshire, is truly inspiring. With continued support and collaboration, I'm confident tourism in the county has a bright and sustainable future.' The Wales Tourism Week campaign highlights the value of tourism across the nation, and Pembrokeshire's events and achievements this week serve as a reminder of just how deeply embedded tourism is in the county's identity.