News from Welsh Labour

AM calls for free travel for EU visitors to boost Welsh tourism

The Labour AM for Wrexham, Lesley Griffiths, is calling on the Welsh Assembly Government to help boost the tourist industry in Wales, by offering free travel to EU tourists for a one-off, three month period this summer in a bid to attract visitors to the country.

The AM has written to the Welsh Assembly Government with her suggestion that free travel for EU tourists should be considered right across Wales – on buses and trains over the summer holiday period.

Ms. Griffiths has made call in an effort to support the large tourist industry in Wales – a crucial part of the Welsh economy:

* In 2005, tourism-related employment in Wales in 2005 was around 100,400 full and part time employees – equating to 8.4% of all employees in employment in Wales
* In 2007, just under 0.9 million trips were taken to Wales by overseas tourists. Of these, the most popular origins of overseas visitors came from the Republic of Ireland, France and Germany
* In 2007 UK visitors accounted for 90% of overnight trips but international visitors stayed longer (accounting for around 16% nights), thus international visits contributed more to the total spent

Commenting on her idea, Lesley Griffiths AM said:

“I have asked the Welsh Assembly Government to look at my idea of a three-month trial for this year. There will obviously be cost implications in running the scheme, however, I think this would send a message to the rest of Europe that Wales is open for business and even more welcoming than usual.

“It would be a novel idea and with the right publicity, could prove an attractive proposition to potential visitors. It could give a much needed boost to our superb tourist industry.

“I accept that peak periods will have to be taken into account but I genuinely believe the Government should explore this time limited trial and see if any economic benefits could flow from it.

“Since the global economic downturn began, the Welsh Assembly Government has been imaginative when it comes to supporting the Welsh economy. I believe this free travel move would be attractive and could make the crucial difference for some visitors in deciding where to travel this year.”

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