Rise in tourism in Newport boosts economy and jobs
Wedi ei bostio ar Tuesday 21st February 2017
Tourism in Newport last year had an economic impact of more than £286 million - a rise of 8.3 per cent on 2014, according to the latest tourism figures.
More people visited the city (2.69 million, up 4.6 percent) and with the numbers for day visits and stays also rising by 3.3 per cent and 8.7 per cent respectively.
An independent activity model, called STEAM which is used by all councils in Wales also showed that the number of jobs in the tourism industry rose by 9.2 per cent to 3,124 (full time equivalent).
Councillor John Richards, Newport City Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Investment, said: "These latest figures demonstrate that tourism has again grown in the city and makes a significant contribution to the local economy.
"Business tourism is an important element of the industry and the council has supported the development of the Wales International Convention Centre. It is forecast that it will benefit 1,200 bed spaces in our hotels and guest houses."
Between 2012 and 2014, there were more than 15,700 overseas business tourism visits on top of 69,000 such visits from the UK (Blue Sail south east Wales's research study 2015/16).
"Newport is well and truly on the business conferencing map," said Councillor Richards.
"Good quality catering is vital to support all aspects of tourism and the council has backed a food buyers' event to encourage our hotels and restaurants to buy local produce.
"Our officers have also created an online video, with the Welsh Government's partnership for growth fund, supporting the food sector and promoting eating local produce in Newport."
In collaboration with Monmouthshire County Council, as part of the Vale of Usk rural development programme, funding has been secured to promote produce from the rural areas of Newport"
Newport and nine other councils have also been awarded £55,000 from the Welsh Government regional tourism engagement fund towards supporting group and travel trade tourism business.
Among recent visitors to the city were American couple Tony and Margo Floyd who had their marriage blessed on the Transporter Bridge.
Both praised the city with Mr Floyd describing local people as the most welcoming they have ever met. He added he had fallen in love with Newport and the people adding that it was like a "little slice of heaven".
Councillor Richards said: "I would like to thank the council officers who are working hard to support the tourism industry in Newport in so many ways and also pay tribute to all those businesses and their staff who provide such a warm welcome to our visitors.
"Newport has a lot to offer both in the city and right on its doorstep and we are doing what we can to encourage visitors to come here - and want to return."