The number of day visits to Wales increased by 36.6% in 2016 (January – December), compared to the previous twelve months; up from 74.9 million to 102.2 million.
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The figures – taken from the Great Britain Day Visits Survey –  highlight Wales’ potential as a tourist destination, and Welsh Conservatives are calling on the Welsh Labour Government to ensure that businesses are given the support they need to attract more visitors during a period of “unprecedented” UK domestic tourism, and low exchange rates for Sterling.
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Shadow Economy Secretary, Russell George AM, called for action to support local tourism operators – including greater support with Business Rates and more focused marketing.
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He said:
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“These figures are good news for the industry, and show Welsh tourism bouncing back after a difficult 2015.
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“Sadly, however, the fact remains that Welsh tourism has one of the highest business closure rates* of any economic sector, and more support is needed to ensure that firms are well placed to benefit during this unprecedented period in UK domestic tourism.
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“We need to so proactive support for local tourism operators from both the Welsh Government and Visit Wales, including help with business rates and better targeted marketing drives.
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“Welsh Conservatives will also continue to press for important infrastructure projects to begin as soon as possible: with the M4 relief road and overdue improvements to the A55, essential to open Wales up to more domestic and international visitors.”
Stats for business closures* available HERE: http://gov.wales/docs/statistics/2016/160831-priority-sector-statistics-2016-en.pdf