Tourism now worth £332m to Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire's tourism industry is 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.
Research shows that 2.9 million visitors flocked to the county, spending a huge £28.4 million on accommodation, and £62.3 million on food and drink.
A further £21.3 million was spent on recreation and £48.9 million on shopping.
Transport benefited to the tune of £49.6 million and there was a further £85.3 million on indirect expenditure.
The figures are revealed in Carmarthenshire County Council’s annual STEAM report.
The reports, which are compiled for all local authorities in Wales, are based on the Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor, which analyses tourism spend and statistics.
The council’s Tourism and Marketing Manager Huw Parsons said he was delighted with the news.
It comes as a major drive is underway to attract more visitors to Carmarthenshire and promote it across the UK as a holiday destination.
Tourism officers work closely with attractions and accommodation providers and a strong events programme helps to attract thousands of visitors to the county.
Mr Parsons said: “This report is the recognised industry standard and it is fantastic to see that Carmarthenshire’s tourist industry is so strong.
“The county is a popular visitor destination and this is steadily being recognised further afield with more people coming to enjoy what is on offer.
“We have so many wonderful resources– Blue Flag beaches, world class gardens, golf courses, castles and beautiful countryside.
“Attractions like the Millennium Coastal Park, Pembrey Country Park, the Dylan Thomas Boathouse and the National Botanic Garden of Wales have helped cement the county’s reputation for tourists.
“We are constantly looking at ways to build on the success and targeted campaigns are underway to promote Carmarthenshire as a premier visitor destination.”
Carmarthenshire’s Regeneration Executive Board Member cllr Clive Scourfield said: “I am absolutely delighted with these figures.
“Carmarthenshire is a county which is steeped in culture and heritage and is a fantastic destination for visitors.
“Tourism is now a booming business and the economic benefits are far reaching.”
The delights of Carmarthenshire:
Cefn Sidan beach
The Millennium Coastal Park
Aberglasney Gardens.
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.
Research shows that 2.9 million visitors flocked to the county, spending a huge £28.4 million on accommodation, and £62.3 million on food and drink.
A further £21.3 million was spent on recreation and £48.9 million on shopping.
Transport benefited to the tune of £49.6 million and there was a further £85.3 million on indirect expenditure.
The figures are revealed in Carmarthenshire County Council’s annual STEAM report.
The reports, which are compiled for all local authorities in Wales, are based on the Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor, which analyses tourism spend and statistics.
The council’s Tourism and Marketing Manager Huw Parsons said he was delighted with the news.
It comes as a major drive is underway to attract more visitors to Carmarthenshire and promote it across the UK as a holiday destination.
Tourism officers work closely with attractions and accommodation providers and a strong events programme helps to attract thousands of visitors to the county.
Mr Parsons said: “This report is the recognised industry standard and it is fantastic to see that Carmarthenshire’s tourist industry is so strong.
“The county is a popular visitor destination and this is steadily being recognised further afield with more people coming to enjoy what is on offer.
“We have so many wonderful resources– Blue Flag beaches, world class gardens, golf courses, castles and beautiful countryside.
“Attractions like the Millennium Coastal Park, Pembrey Country Park, the Dylan Thomas Boathouse and the National Botanic Garden of Wales have helped cement the county’s reputation for tourists.
“We are constantly looking at ways to build on the success and targeted campaigns are underway to promote Carmarthenshire as a premier visitor destination.”
Carmarthenshire’s Regeneration Executive Board Member cllr Clive Scourfield said: “I am absolutely delighted with these figures.
“Carmarthenshire is a county which is steeped in culture and heritage and is a fantastic destination for visitors.
“Tourism is now a booming business and the economic benefits are far reaching.”
The delights of Carmarthenshire:
Cefn Sidan beach
The Millennium Coastal Park
Aberglasney Gardens.
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