Labour AM Jeff Cuthbert has welcomed news that Welsh castles – including Caerphilly – are considered a ‘must-see’ attraction by foreign visitors to Britain.
Asked in a recent survey, holidaymakers considered the draw of Welsh castles bigger than visiting Buckingham Palace, shopping at Harrods, attending a Premier League football match or a Scotch whisky tour, among other things to do.
According to Visit Britain, Caerphilly – the second-largest castle in the whole of Britain – is one of the top ten in Wales in terms of foreign visitors each year.
However, this contrasts with Caerphilly County Borough’s visitor numbers published by Visit Wales late last year, where it came a lowly joint 16th out of Wales’ local authorities, sitting with many areas which do not have as anywhere near as big a tourist attraction.
Local Labour AM Jeff Cuthbert said: “I am absolutely delighted that Welsh castles like Caerphilly are considered a top-drawer tourist attraction by holidaymakers who visit Britain.
“Caerphilly Castle is simply magnificent – it is the second-largest castle in the whole of Britain and local people are rightly proud of this local and national landmark.
“However, I am slightly concerned that even with this great Castle’s presence, visitor numbers to Caerphilly County Borough are comparatively low.
“Clearly, the Plaid-controlled Council has a lot more to do in terms of attracting visitors to the area, and work more closely with CADW and the Welsh Government’s Heritage Department.”
