Gwynedd’s reputation as a world class adventure tourism destination has been boosted thanks to a multi-million pound investment.
Gwynedd Council working in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government and activity providers has put together a £4 million package aimed at improving outdoor activity centres in Meirionnydd, and the knock on effect to the tourism industry and wider community is set to be immense.
The Eryri Centre of Excellence project will be based in four sustainable tourism sites in Snowdonia:
Cycling centre at Coed y Brenin – will include improved visitor facilities, new cycle paths for a wider range of ages and abilities and a new cycling skills area delivered in partnership with the Forestry Commission Wales.
Mountain bike paths at Blaenau Ffestiniog – developing the Llechwedd downhill routes as well as the Llyn Tanygrisiau cycle trail. Working in partnership with Antur Stiniog.
Outdoor activities at Glanllyn near Bala – improving the facilities which already exist including improving accommodation facilities and developing a new cycle path. Working in partnership with Urdd Gobaith Cymru.
Fishing activities at Llyn Trawsfynydd lake – includes creating visitor facilities and improving access to the lake. Working in partnership with Cymdeithas Pysgota Prysor and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.
Councillor Dyfed Edwards, Leader of Gwynedd Council, said:
“Confirmation that our bid has been approved by the Welsh Assembly Government is great news for Meirionnydd and a big boost for our activity tourism industry.
“Whilst Meirionnydd already boasts a thriving tourism sector, this investment will enable us to develop the scope and value of this market and present the area as a world class outdoor activities destination.
“The project will be built on our vision to increase the involvement of the local community in this sector and to bring the industry closer to the heart of the community itself.”
Councillor Dewi Lewis, Gwynedd Council’s economic portfolio leader, added:
“Gwynedd already has a good reputation as a holiday destination and we make the most of the beautiful landscape and vibrant culture. The challenge for the 21st century is to develop alternative visitor activities, which can be enjoyed by all people, of all abilities, all year round.
“This is excellent news for Meirionnydd and the whole of Gwynedd, and adds another link to the chain of industry we have in the county.”
Trefor Owen Director of Forestry Commission Wales said:
“Forestry Commission is delighted that its Forest Center in Coed y Brenin is part of developing a regional Center of Excellence. This project will put tourism on a more sustainable footing in Gwynedd, increasing the quality and diversity of experience for visitors”.
Danny Walter, Editor, Mountain Biking UK magazine said,
“This is really exciting news. There’s a wealth of opportunity and amazing riding potential in North Wales and by making it as accessible and appealing to riders of all levels is a really positive move.”
“All the guys at MBUK can’t wait to see how the extra investment is going to benefit Coed-y-Brenin in particular. The plans that are in place sound exactly what the centre needs to ensure it progresses as the main hub for the area. This whole project should help make North Wales one of the UK’s premier mountain biking destinations and we can’t wait to try out all the new riding that’s going to be on offer.”
Emyr Williams Snowdonia National Park Authority’s Director of Land Management, said:
“We gratefully welcome such developments in the outdoor activity sector within National Parks. Visitors’ experience will be enhanced by integrating the area’s unique and special environmental quality, together with its cultural and linguistic characteristics, which in turn will benefit the local economy and the local communities of Snowdonia.”
