Day visits to Wales up by a third as Welsh tourism bounces back from a difficult 2015

The number of day visits to Wales increased by 36.6% in 2016 (January – December), compared to the previous twelve months; up from 74.9 million to 102.2 million.

The figures – taken from the Great Britain Day Visits Survey –  highlight Wales’ potential as a tourist destination, and Welsh Conservatives are calling on the Welsh Labour Government to ensure that businesses are given the support they need to attract more visitors during a period of “unprecedented” UK domestic tourism, and low exchange rates for Sterling.

Shadow Economy Secretary, Russell George AM, called for action to support local tourism operators – including greater support with Business Rates and more focused marketing.

He said:

“These figures are good news for the industry, and show Welsh tourism bouncing back after a difficult 2015.

“Sadly, however, the fact remains that Welsh tourism has one of the highest business closure rates* of any economic sector, and more support is needed to ensure that firms are well placed to benefit during this unprecedented period in UK domestic tourism.

“We need to so proactive support for local tourism operators from both the Welsh Government and Visit Wales, including help with business rates and better targeted marketing drives.

“Welsh Conservatives will also continue to press for important infrastructure projects to begin as soon as possible: with the M4 relief road and overdue improvements to the A55, essential to open Wales up to more domestic and international visitors.”

Stats for business closures* available HERE: http://gov.wales/docs/statistics/2016/160831-priority-sector-statistics-2016-en.pdf