Tourism brings huge benefits to Wales – raising its profile, creating jobs and bringing in additional money. But there are also irritations – like jammed roads and beauty spots, parking chaos, as well as litter and anti-social behaviour by visitors.
These are particularly acute at tourism hotspots that are often heaving in the peak months. These issues can at times mar the quality of life for local residents and impact the experience of visitors.
This has seen Welsh Government create a £12.5m pot under the ‘Local tourism infrastructure and visitor facilities support scheme’. It will see local authorities or national parks bid for up to £500K each to deal with the some of these problems.
A report said: “The scheme will focus on destinations and locations where there is a clear strategic need for improved tourism infrastructure investment with a particular focus on areas which experience high visitor footfall.
“While the projects supported by the scheme will not in themselves drive visitors, it will invest in facilities that will improve visitor and local satisfaction, provide better facilities for disabled visitors and enhance the environmental sustainability of key destinations. These elements, if missing or not managed properly can deter visitors from coming or stop them from returning.”
The scheme’s objectives are:
- Environmentally sustainable destinations and responding to the climate emergency.
- Alleviate pressure points at ‘hot spot’ locations and supporting high quality tourism destination.
- Inclusive tourism and enhancing accessibility.
- Enhancing the visitor offer.
The report added: “The scheme will focus on destinations and locations where there is a clear strategic need for improved tourism infrastructure investment, and is open to local authorities and national park authorities.
“All projects must demonstrate partnership collaboration with wider destination partners and cross sector consultation. Local authorities will need to demonstrate that they have engaged with wider destination partners and with the Destination Management Partnerships / Organisation where they are established. Local authorities can also include projects delivered by third sector partners in their bids.”
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