International Visitors/Travel The number of international trips to Wales during 2019 rose by 3.6% to 1,023,000. Visitor spending was £515 million, which was an 18.8% increase on the same time last year. (Please note that ONS have adjusted the figures from the International Passenger Survey for the period 2009 to 2019).

Does Wales rely on tourism?

Tourism is a very important part of the Welsh Economy. Tourists spend over £8 million a day in Wales – this adds up to around £3 billion a year! About 100,000 people in Wales are employed in the tourism industry. This accounts for nearly ten per cent of the workforce.

How much does tourism contribute to Wales?

In 2018, there was £6.3 billion of visitor spending generating £3 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA). This is a contribution of around 6% GVA to the Welsh economy. The direct GVA contributed by tourism has grown much more strongly than the economy as a whole alongside growth in employment.

Why is Wales a popular tourist destination?

The green rolling hills and atmospheric scenery of Wales have inspired many. The landscape is wild, rich and beautiful with plenty to explore. There are the pristine lakes and rivers, the mountains to climb, such as Snowdon, the world-class beaches and the coastal paths.

What is the most visited place in Wales?

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wales

• Snowdonia National Park. The fishing lake Llyn Y Dywarchen, Snowdonia National Park.
• Brecon Beacons National Park.
• Cardiff Castle & National Museum Cardiff.
• Devil’s Bridge and the Hafod Estate.
• Wales by Rail.
• Caernarfon Castle.
• Conwy & Conwy Castle.
• Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

How big is the tourism industry in Wales?

The Tourism Industry in Wales The direct contribution is £2.7 billion or 8% of the economy. 170,000 people are in employment generated by the industry, 12.7% of the workforce. The industry plays a greater role than in any of the other countries of the UK.

Why is tourism essential for the development of the Welsh economy?

Tourism connects our country with people from across the world. It makes a positive contribution to all aspects of Welsh life: creating prosperity, confidence, employment, cultural regeneration, environmental appreciation, health benefits, and fun.

Why is Wales the best country?

Wales has been voted the top country in the world to visit in 2014 by readers of one of the planet’s leading guide books. Rough Guides readers cited ‘some great mountain ranges, lush valleys, a ragged coastline and ancient castles’ as their reasons for putting Wales at the top of their list.

What are the main types of tourism in Wales?

The most popular activities undertaken by tourists in Wales were walking, shopping, hiking in the mountains and visiting historic attractions, museums and galleries. 970,000 overseas tourists visited Wales in 2015 spending £410m.

Why do we need a tourism strategy for Wales?

And so the aim is to ensure that tourism plays a key role in strengthening Wales’ economic, cultural and environmental vitality, and helps to create a healthier, happier Wales. This plan shows how we will do that. The planning process began with a conversation with the sector. Diolch – thank you – for your thoughtful responses.

What has happened to the 2013-2020 tourism strategy?

This year, the Partnership for growth: strategy for tourism 2013 – 2020 comes to an end. The review of the 2013-2020 tourism strategy, identifying the varying levels of success, is now available

What is the job outlook for tourism in Wales?

Tourism is the third largest sector in terms of direct employment and has seen the second highest growth in employment levels of all of the Welsh Government priority sectors since 2006. There has been a faster rate of growth in employment of management and professional levels in tourism in Wales over this period.

What is the International Strategy for Wales?

International strategy for Wales The strategy sets out our approach to international engagement. It highlights the steps we will take to ensure Wales has an increasing profile and influence in the world.