Tourists continue to flock to Carmarthenshire, says Council

CARMARTHENSHIRE’S booming tourism economy is now worth a huge £441million to the local economy, new independent figures have revealed.

More visitors than ever before are choosing Carmarthenshire for day trips, with 2.27million people flocking to the area during 2018 to enjoy its unique blend of countryside and coast.

Carmarthenshire County Council believes recent international events, such as the OVO Energy Tour of Britain and Women’s Tour, and hit TV shows like BBC drama Keeping Faith – filmed in Carmarthenshire – have helped draw in the crowds.

New independent STEAM figures, put together for Carmarthenshire County Council, have revealed that during 2018, 3.28million people visited Carmarthenshire and a million people stayed overnight.

The tourism industry now supports more than 6,000 jobs in the local area.

The council’s Marketing and Media team has been working with local tourism and hospitality providers, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, tourist attractions, activity providers, restaurants, pubs, businesses and retailers, to provide the perfect welcome for guests and encourage them to return.

They have also been busy promoting the Discover Carmarthenshire website and This Is Carmarthenshire brand across the UK, Europe and further afield.

Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths, Carmarthenshire Council’s Executive Board Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: “Carmarthenshire’s profile as a world class visitor destination continues to grow, with coverage from our major events, such as the Tour of Britain and Women’s Tour, and the hugely popular Keeping Faith TV drama, providing the kind of marketing that money can’t buy.

“There is a huge amount of work underway to ensure we build on this momentum – our teams are working hard with partners and businesses to constantly improve what we have to offer and keep people coming back for more.”

He added: “Our investment in facilities such the National closed Road Circuit, and caravan and camping facilities at Pembrey Country Park, as well as ongoing support of major tourist attractions such as the National Botanic Garden of Wales, is reaping its rewards.

“Further investment is in the pipeline, including the regeneration of Pendine’s waterfront with a Sands of Speed Museum and eco-hostel, which is well underway.

“Carmarthenshire has a lot to shout about, and plenty to offer. We look forward to welcoming more and more people to our beautiful county.”

Cllr Emlyn Dole, Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council, added: “We cannot underestimate the value of tourism to our local economy. It provides much needed jobs for local people and helps keep businesses thriving. With more people visiting, we hope that they will help us spread the word, and return themselves time and time again.”