Attract more foreign visitors to Wales, says AM

A leading Liberal Democrat says more needs to be done to attract foreign tourists to Wales.

Speaking following today’s publication of tourism statistics which show that fewer than 1% of tourists visiting Wales come from outside the UK, Eluned Parrott AM, Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Economy Minister, said: “Wales is not attracting enough tourists from overseas.

 

"With Cardiff only two hours away from London by train, and Pembrokeshire and the Brecon Beacons not much further, there’s a clear ability for us to sell ourselves as an accessible and attractive destination for foreign tourists.

 

“Millions of tourists from abroad head to London every year. Many just stay there, a few head to places like Bath, Oxford and Scotland, but we need to encourage them to visit Wales too.

 

“Events such as the Ryder Cup and this week’s NATO Summit are putting Wales on the map. Now we need to ensure those who’ve seen Wales on TV or read about us in the newspapers come and see what we can offer for themselves.

 

“The Scottish Government spends £47million per year selling Scotland to the world, the Welsh equivalent spends just £7million. It’s clear that the Welsh Labour Government needs to up its game in promoting Wales to the world.

 

“Wales has wonderful natural and manmade attractions which we should be proud of, and we should be encouraging all we can to bring the world to see them.”