MP3 guided tours for Carmarthenshire
MP3 guided tours are to be launched in rural parts of Carmarthenshire as part of a new tourist drive.
State-of-the-art technology will be used to inform visitors about sights of natural beauty, local landmarks, history and culture.
Special audio commentary will be put together as part of a new aural tour guide.
It will include suggestions for local cycle trails, walks, historical attractions, and give information in four languages on places to visit and services in the area.
The ‘Ar dy Feic’ project is aimed at encouraging visitors to the county to explore beyond the usual tourist trail.
The MP3 tours will be available from community halls, Tourist Information Centres, B&Bs and pubs in rural areas.
A part time officer will be appointed to research routes and collate information for the trials.
Carmarthen and the surrounding area will be concentrated on first and will be followed by other parts of the county over the coming months.
Project leaders hope they will encourage walking and cycling, with economic spin-offs for businesses.
Menter Cwm Gwendraeth has just received funding of £16,468 through the Developing Identity and Distinctiveness project, which supports schemes that enhance the tourism potential of rural Carmarthenshire, and promote local cultural heritage.
The money comes through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013, which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
The bid was supported by Carmarthenshire County Council’s West Wales European Centre, and is part of a multi-million pound package of projects to have received cash aid.
The council’s Community Regeneration Manager John Wilson said: “The project is aimed at encouraging a greater number of visitors to the county to spend longer exploring an area, rather than relying on quick visits by car, or just concentrating on the usual tourist hotspots.
“The tours would promote cycling and walking as a means of enjoying the visit to rural Carmarthenshire.
“There will be economic benefits to rural areas, which have traditionally been by-passed by motorised holiday makers. Cyclists and walkers are far more likely to use local services like shops, post offices and pubs.”
Carmarthenshire’s tourism industry is already worth a massive £332 million to the economy.
Nearly three million people visited the county in 2008 to enjoy the delights of the region.
Latest figures show the sector is booming, with hotels, B&Bs, pubs, restaurants, shops and visitor attractions all reaping the rewards.
Tourism bosses say it is evidence of Carmarthenshire’s growing appeal as a must-see destination.
Regeneration Executive Board Member cllr Clive Scourfield said: “Carmarthenshire is a county which is steeped in culture and heritage and is a first class destination for visitors.
“It is fantastic news that rural parts of the county, which have so much to offer visitors, will benefit from this project.
“The economic benefits will be far reaching.”
State-of-the-art technology will be used to inform visitors about sights of natural beauty, local landmarks, history and culture.
Special audio commentary will be put together as part of a new aural tour guide.
It will include suggestions for local cycle trails, walks, historical attractions, and give information in four languages on places to visit and services in the area.
The ‘Ar dy Feic’ project is aimed at encouraging visitors to the county to explore beyond the usual tourist trail.
The MP3 tours will be available from community halls, Tourist Information Centres, B&Bs and pubs in rural areas.
A part time officer will be appointed to research routes and collate information for the trials.
Carmarthen and the surrounding area will be concentrated on first and will be followed by other parts of the county over the coming months.
Project leaders hope they will encourage walking and cycling, with economic spin-offs for businesses.
Menter Cwm Gwendraeth has just received funding of £16,468 through the Developing Identity and Distinctiveness project, which supports schemes that enhance the tourism potential of rural Carmarthenshire, and promote local cultural heritage.
The money comes through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013, which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
The bid was supported by Carmarthenshire County Council’s West Wales European Centre, and is part of a multi-million pound package of projects to have received cash aid.
The council’s Community Regeneration Manager John Wilson said: “The project is aimed at encouraging a greater number of visitors to the county to spend longer exploring an area, rather than relying on quick visits by car, or just concentrating on the usual tourist hotspots.
“The tours would promote cycling and walking as a means of enjoying the visit to rural Carmarthenshire.
“There will be economic benefits to rural areas, which have traditionally been by-passed by motorised holiday makers. Cyclists and walkers are far more likely to use local services like shops, post offices and pubs.”
Carmarthenshire’s tourism industry is already worth a massive £332 million to the economy.
Nearly three million people visited the county in 2008 to enjoy the delights of the region.
Latest figures show the sector is booming, with hotels, B&Bs, pubs, restaurants, shops and visitor attractions all reaping the rewards.
Tourism bosses say it is evidence of Carmarthenshire’s growing appeal as a must-see destination.
Regeneration Executive Board Member cllr Clive Scourfield said: “Carmarthenshire is a county which is steeped in culture and heritage and is a first class destination for visitors.
“It is fantastic news that rural parts of the county, which have so much to offer visitors, will benefit from this project.
“The economic benefits will be far reaching.”
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