Summer 2015 success for Wales’ tourism industry

Figures published today by the Welsh Government show that the tourism industry in Wales had a successful summer with figures for the first nine months of 2015 showing an increase on 2014, which was a record breaking year for Wales.

The Great Britain Tourism Survey published today [13 January] shows that from January- September 2015, the total volume of domestic overnight trips to Wales increased by 1.8 percent in comparison with the January – September 2014.

Expenditure on visits to Wales for the period January – September 2015 has risen by 12.0 percent compared to the same period in 2014. The comparable figure for GB as a whole is 10.3 percent.

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates, said:

“We’ve had positive signs and feedback from the industry that summer 2015 was successful despite the weather and these figures show that the first nine months, including the peak season,  was excellent for Wales – even compared to a record breaking 2014.   It’s excellent news for the wider economy that more people visited Wales last year – and also spent significantly more while here on holiday.

“However, there is no time to rest on our laurels.  2016 got off to a great start with recognition from the Rough Guide as Wales for one of the top 10 places to visit in 2016 with specific mention to Wales as one of Europe’s finest outdoor playgrounds.

“The Year of Adventure 2016 will leave no doubt with regards to Wales’ credentials as a leading adventure destination and we look forward to the new Year of Adventure marketing campaign going live in UK and Europe at the end of the month.  We will continue to work with the industry in order to sustain these excellent figures and make sure that 2016 will be another excellent year.”