www.net-cymru.co.uk
Eich Gwefan Chi / YOUR Site on the Internet
Is Wales the world's most undersold tourist destination?
Of the foreign visitors to the United Kingdom, only about two per cent
include Wales at any time in their visit. Given that the majority of
tourists who visit Wales come through England, the percentage of "tourist
days" that Wales receives is probably less than the above figure would
suggest.
Given also the large number of people in Wales who travel abroad on holiday
it means that for Wales the "tourism balance of payments" is decidedly
negative - with a consequent drain on the Welsh economy.
One of the reasons that people travel in holilday periods is the sun. Wales
with its rainy climate can't compete there. Nevertheless with the highly
publicised concern about the link between expousure to the sun and skin
cancer, there must be some people coming to the conclusion that a fortnight
stetched out on a beach isn't the wisest way to spend their holiday.
When we consider other factors that might attract tourists, then Wales is
very well placed.
History
There must be very few places on earth which are as rich in historical heritage
as Wales. Over 100 castles and other historical locations are maintained
and made accessible to the public by CADW, Wales's organisation for preserving
historical monuments ("cadw" = "to keep" in Welsh). Other sites are maintained
by other organisations and still other ruins are simply standing on their
sites - sometimes with explanatory plaques - with unrestricted access to the
public. Whether you wish to be overwhelmed by the majesty of Caernarvon
Castle, or want your immagination stimulated by a visit to Castell Coch
(a Victorian impression of the Middle Ages) or are interested in undertaking
serious historical research by visiting the hundreds of remains still standing,
there is something for everyone with an interest in history.
If you wish to contact CADW:
Cadw: Welsh Historic Monuments
2 Fitzalan Road
Cardiff CF2 1UY
telephone 02920 500 200
Nature
Wales has four National Parks and, due to its mountainous geography, every
part of Wales offers a wide variation in environment and variety of natural
habitats. There are many organisations committed to preserving and developing
these and a large number of groups arrange guided walks. Most welcome visitors
and they are an ideal opportunity for visitors to meet local people. Where
I have found websites, I have included them in the
section. The Welsh Festival of the Countryside publish a bi-annual review
listing events and organised walks. Their address is:
Festival of the Countryside
Frolic House
23 Frolic Street
Newtown
Powys, SY16 1NP.
If you speak Welsh (or are learning Welsh) you may be interested in the
Cymdeithas Edward Llwyd:
42 Parc-y-Llan
Llanfair
Dyffryn
Clwyd LL15 2YL
Welsh Hospitality
There is a Welsh song which goes "We'll keep a welcome in the hillside,
We'll keep a welcome in the vale.." It may be stereotypic, but largely
true. Hospitality toward visitors is part of the culture of the people
of Wales.
Of course, Wales has not seen the negative effects of mass touism and visitors
in their vast majority behave in a way which is respectful to residents.
As someone who has moved to Wales only about two years ago I found myself
rapidly becoming a member of the local community, with a full diary of social
events as well as committe membership of several organisations. Of course,
as in many other situations, what you get out largely reflects what you are
prepared to put in.
A Land worth taking time to discover
Unlike some tourist destinations at the top of the popularity list, you
won't be rushed past historical treasures at a routemarch speed by guides
who've been warned that they mustn't slow up the group behind them. You wil
not find avaricious and impolite shopkeepers who know that however they
treat visitors, they are assured of a continuous flow of tourists past their
shops.
In Wales the visitor is not taken for granted. All in the tourist industry
are aware that they are privileged when the visitor selects their area to
visit and that their only chance to develop in the future is to ensure that
every visitor happy with their choice of destination and hopefully decided to
come again and full of positive impressions to convey to others.