Economic Benefit Tops £900million
Thursday 18th Apr 2024
The economic benefit of tourism in Conwy County has broken through the £900million ceiling.
Industry figures for 2018 show a rise of £41m on the previous year, bringing the total up to an impressive £904m.
The latest STEAM (Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor) report has also revealed that Conwy County attracted an impressive 9.39 million visitors last year, making it the most visited county in North Wales.
Significant investment has been made in Conwy to enhance the visitor experience, develop the breadth of the tourism offer and establish the area as an all-year-round destination.
Cllr Goronwy Edwards, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at Conwy County Borough Council, said: “The figures are excellent, it’s really pleasing to see out fabulous tourism industry performing so well, and offering visitors what they clearly want. We’re delighted to welcome people to the county, and with visitor numbers second only to Cardiff nationally and top of the table in North Wales – we really do have something to celebrate.”
Recent developments in Conwy’s tourism industry have played to the county’s strengths in order to emphasise the natural beauty of the area, the suitability for adrenaline activities, the quality food and drink offer, the fantastic UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the modern and professional theatre and conferencing facilities.
Attractions such as Adventure Parc Snowdonia, Go Below Underground Adventures and Zip World Fforest have contributed to the success of North Wales becoming a centre of excellence for adrenaline adventure. The natural environment lends itself particularly well to adrenaline activities where visitors can experience a thrill whilst taking in the natural beauty of the area.
In addition, food and drink offer in Conwy County has also contributed to the increase in the value of tourism. The success of the industry has been recognised nationally with The Times naming North Wales as the foodie destination of 2019, and many local producers receiving 2019 Great Taste Awards.
One of the county’s core strengths is culture and heritage, and Conwy County Borough Council is currently building the Conwy Culture Centre, to highlight and promote the county’s heritage assets. The centre will open in autumn 2019 and visitors will be able to browse the library and heritage collections, explore the exhibitions; research local history; or simply enjoy a coffee against the stunning backdrop of Conwy Castle.
Major Events hosted by the county have also attracted new audiences to the area and made a significant economic impact. Venue Cymru in Llandudno and Stadiwm Zip World in Colwyn Bay are proven to attract top class performers and sporting events.
As a result of all this activity, the value of tourism to Conwy County has increased by almost 5%, making the total economic value £904m.
Conwy’s Destination Management Plan aims to build on these strong foundations and USPs of adventure, heritage, food and drink and the natural environment in order to grow the economic value of tourism in Conwy to over £1billion per annum.
Link to: Destination Management Plan
