Plenary 11/02/15
Questions to the Minister for Economy, Science and Transport
The Tourism Industry

14:22
Janet Finch-Saunders
2. Will the Minister make a statement on what steps the Welsh Government is taking to support the tourism industry in north Wales over the next 12 months? OAQ(4)0529(EST)

14:23
Kenneth Skates/The Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism
Yes. Our tourism strategy, ‘Partnership for Growth: The Welsh Government Strategy for Tourism 2013-2020’, sets out our priorities to support the tourism industry, which is done through a range of mechanisms. North Wales offers a range of heritage, landscapes, activities and tourism destinations, which are promoted and marketed through our Visit Wales website.

14:23
Janet Finch-Saunders
Thank you. Well, I’m really pleased to be able to welcome the new Surf Snowdonia that will be coming soon. This joins a list of new attractions. We’ve had Parc Eirias, Porth Eirias, Zip World, Plas y Brenin is there, the ski slope at Llandudno, and, of course, our fabulous Snowdonia National Park. But, all these do depend largely on some support and some marketing and a little bit of resource from the Welsh Government. I just wonder what action your department is taking to ensure that north Wales isn’t left out in any shape or form and that we receive the adequate marketing support that we need over the next 12 months.

14:24
Kenneth Skates
Can I thank the Member for her identifying so many of the projects that the Welsh Government is pleased to have been able to support, including Surf Snowdonia—truly a world-class attraction, which has received a funding package totalling £4.15 million towards the creation of Europe’s first inland surfing destination? Of course, later this year, we’ll see the opening, as well, of Zip Below and the Junior Bounce facility. I truly believe that north Wales is becoming Britain’s adventure land. On top of this, I’m pleased to be able to say that, with the regional tourism teams now in place, we’re assisting all of the regions across Wales in utilising our marketing strategies