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."

Cefn people want to cash in on aqueduct's tourist boom

Cefn Mawr, a former industrial community located within a World Heritage Site, is seeking to benefit from the area's booming tourism industry. 

Despite being a stone's throw away from the increasingly popular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, people living in the historic village say they feel overlooked.

* For the full story, see Wales Online at: 'Forgotten' Welsh village wants to cash in on tourism boom at world-famous aqueduct - Wales Online 

Special Lenten events planned by Churches Together

Cytun (Churches Together) in Llangollen has a number of special activities planned for the Lenten period.

These begin next Tuesday March 4 with a Pancakes for All event at St Collen's Community Hall off Regent Street from 3pm.

Cytun says: "All are welcome - come in after school."

World Day of Prayer will be celebrated at St Collen's Church on Friday March 7, at 11am.

This year's event comes from the Cook Islands of the Pacific Ocean.

"We will learn something of this special place. All are welcome. Please join us for soup and refreshments afterwards at Holy Cross RC Church," says Cytun.

The annual Lenten Soup Kitchen will be based at Holy Cross Church rooms for the six Fridays during Lent, starting on Friday March 7, from 12noon to 1.30pm, in aid of Christian Aid. Enter is via the RC Church in Oak Street , along the alleyway next to the butchers. 

Cytun said: "You are welcome to join us in all these events and at all our many church services and activities in Llangollen."

MS 'extremely concerned' for North Wales tourism industry

* Llangollen is one of North Wales's key tourist destinations.

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is backing a protest to raise awareness of the controversial new tourist tax. 

He fears introducing the proposed visitor levy will seriously impact businesses in North East Wales and is supporting the Welsh Association of Visitor Attractions (WAVA) who are protesting on March 1, St David’s Day, with a number of attractions set to close for the day. 

 

Last November the Welsh Government said they planned to introduce a levy of £1.25 per night for people staying in commercially-let overnight visitor accommodation from 2027.

 

Mr Rowlands, Chairman of the Cross-Party Group on Tourism, is totally against the tax and has continually expressed concern for the future of tourism in his region if it goes ahead.

 

He said: “The whole situation is becoming very serious and my heart goes out to anyone involved in the tourism industry in North Wales as it is not getting the support it should.

 

“The Welsh Government is quite clearly not interested in helping to promote and expand our tourist industry.

 

“First of all they introduced the crippling 182-day threshold for holiday lets, which will force many self-catering businesses to close, then came the disastrous 20mph default speed limit and now they have the tourism tax to look forward to.

 

“I think the action by the WAVA speaks for itself and just shows how worried businesses are in North Wales. 

 

“It is a real shame that WAVA members believe the only way to highlight their growing concerns and to get their message across is to close their businesses on a day at the weekend.

 

“ I remain extremely concerned over this constant war on the tourism industry. It is high time they and everyone who works in this sector were supported by the Welsh Government.

 

“Tourism is big business in North Wales but the Welsh Government policies are seriously impacting the industry and I really do fear for the future.”