Lord Bourne calls on people across UK to choose Wales as holiday destination
Lord Bourne: "2016 is the year of adventure in Wales and that is something our small but extraordinary country can deliver on"
Wales Office Minister Lord Bourne has called on people across the UK to think of Wales when choosing their holiday destination ahead of Wales Tourism Week.
This year’s Wales Tourism Week organised by Wales Tourism Alliance highlights activities linked to Visit Wales theme for 2016; “Year of Adventure”.
Wales Office Minister Lord Bourne said:
2016 is the year of adventure in Wales and that is something our small but extraordinary country can deliver on.
From the rugged peaks of Snowdonia attracting climbers and hikers from around the world to the idyllic coastal paths offering a serene escape from city life – Wales truly has something for everyone.
However, it is important that people across Wales remember to visit our world class museums this year. These truly are our national treasures and offer an eye-opening insight into our rich and significant past which is an adventure in itself.
The Minister celebrated the wide range of cultural experiences on offer to tourists across Wales with a visit to one of the capital’s main attractions – National Museum Cardiff.
The Minister took the opportunity to hear about the St Fagans’ Armed Forces collections. A grant from the Armed Forces Community Covenant Fund is supporting its redisplay and associated community outreach work that will see personal stories, archives, photographs and objects brought together for the first time to create a rich display and resource for the First World War, present day conflicts and their impact on the communities of Wales.
Lord Bourne also saw the new species of dinosaur that was uncovered in South Wales in 2014. The dinosaur dates back 201 million years and is now on display in the museum. It is said to be the oldest-known Jurassic dinosaur ever found in the UK.
David Anderson, Director General, Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales said:
We have seen a 26% increase in the number of overseas visitors coming to Wales’ seven national museums, which demonstrates the appetite for museums in Wales amongst inbound visitors. We were pleased to have welcomed Minister Lord Bourne to National Museum Cardiff today - the biggest draw of all of Wales’ national museums for international tourists.
We are proud of our internationally renowned collections, our high quality visitor offer and importantly of the role we play in profiling Wales beyond its borders.