Kirsty Williams: Tourism can help drive economic recovery

The Welsh Liberal Democrats today confirmed their commitment to taking advantage of Wales’ natural beauty and tourism industry to boost the economy as they visited a successful rafting activity centre in Cardiff.

Kirsty Williams, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Nigel Howells, Cardiff Central Candidate and Sian Anne Cliff, Cardiff South and Penarth Candidate, saw for themselves the part activity centres like Cardiff International White Water play in bringing tourists to Wales.

In their manifesto the Welsh Liberal Democrats promise to:

· Prioritise the marketing of Wales as a tourist destination to new overseas markets

· Make St. David’s Day a public bank holiday and a global celebration of Wales, raising international awareness and encouraging people to visit and buy Welsh products.

· Develop a major events calendar that is specifically tasked with bringing events to all of Wales. We will bid for the Tour de France and a major American Football game.

· Promote off-season activities and assisting in creating a wider range of winter activities across Wales in order to reduce seasonal variations in tourism.

Kirsty Williams, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats said:

“Wales’ natural beauty is one of our great resources and we have great vibrant cities. Tourism brings in over £6 billion to Wales every year and supports 172, 000 jobs. It is a central part of the Welsh economy but with the right support, it could grow further and help fuel a sustainable economic recovery.

“Tourism is a major driver of the Welsh economy and should be treated as such. That is why the Welsh Liberal Democrats would put tourism back into the economy portfolio.”