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Major drive aims to persuade tourists to use public transport

A major drive has been launched to persuade tourists to use public transport when visiting North Wales.

The campaign, initiated by North Wales Tourism, aims to promote green tourism by reducing the number of cars on the roads and alleviating overcrowding at popular hotspots during peak periods.

It targets travellers from major cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Cardiff, encouraging them to use trains operated by Transport for Wales (TfW) and Avanti West Coast.

The initiative is linked with bus routes run by the long-distance TrawsCymru network and the book-a-ride fflecsi bus service along more local routes.

The goal is to provide a seamless service, allowing visitors to reach their final destinations without the need to drive.

Among the bus services connecting with the rail network will be those operating from Wrexham, Prestatyn, Betws y Coed, Pwllheli, Blaenau Ffestiniog, and Barmouth.

Jim Jones, the chief executive of North Wales Tourism, said: "We want to help people escape the city and discover the natural beauty of North Wales.

"After they’ve arrived by train, our visitors can unlock the real treasures of North Wales by bus, cycling, or walking."

He added: "The idea is that we attract more visitors to North Wales whilst reducing the number of cars on the road to leverage all the benefits that brings in terms of the environment.

"It makes a lot of sense in every way – this is eco-tourism in action and that’s a growth area at the moment.

"More and more people want to do things in a sustainable way."

The campaign involves extensive social media activity, posters at certain stations on the rail network, and competitions.

It also includes data collection about rail travel into Wales.

Mr Jones said: "We’ve all seen the pictures of car parks overflowing at tourism hotspots during peak periods and this will help address that issue.

"We want to flag up how easy it can be to travel by rail so they can literally let the train take the strain with the help of the TrawsCymru and fflecsi bus services.

"Once people get here, there is just an incredible amount of things for visitors to see and do."

Nick Smith, regional growth manager at Avanti West Coast, said: "This campaign highlights how easy it is to combine train and bus on a seamless journey, unlocking new destinations for visitors."

Lee Robinson, executive director for regional transport and integration at TfW, said: "North Wales has some of the UK's best destinations, many of which are within easy reach of public transport, making it an affordable and comfortable way to see some of the country's best scenery and attractions."

The cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said: "North Wales includes some stunning places to visit.

"It understandably attracts thousands of visitors who want to enjoy the amazing scenery and activities.

"It’s great to see TfW and Avanti West Coast linking up with TrawsCymru and Flecsi to provide reliable and interconnected bus and rail services that allow tourists to explore this beautiful part of our landscape in a convenient and sustainable way."