Following the launch of Visit Wales’ ‘Year of the Sea’ theme for promoting Wales in 2018, the Welsh Government are treating the amount spent on the video marketing campaign as buried treasure – declining request by Janet Finch-Saunders, Assembly Member for Aberconwy,  for the amount of public money invested to be disclosed.

Janet said:

“The Year of the Sea advert involves Luke Evans piloting a classic seaplane, from Llyn Gwynant and around our breath-taking coastline.

“Given that this advert is a key part of the 2018 Welsh Government thematic tourism campaign, I thought it quite fair and in the public interest to ascertain how much was spent on the film.

“Following a Written Assembly Question, and Freedom of Information Request, I am still no closer to getting a straight answer from the Welsh Government.  Indeed, they have responded explaining that disclosure would negatively affect the Welsh economy and public purse, and breach the confidence owed to Smorgasbord Studio Ltd who have not provided consent for the Welsh Government to make this information available to any party requesting it.

“There should be complete financial transparency in how every penny is spent by the Welsh Government. As such, I have been left to request an internal review, and suspect that the real reason for withholding figures is due to what is likely to be an unjustifiably high amount spent on a minute long campaign”.

ENDS

Documents

Letter from Ms Mari Stevens, Deputy Director, Marketing, Welsh Government 15/05/18

Notes

http://www.visitwales.com/sea/year-of-the-sea-2018-film-unveiled