5. 5. Statement: Year of Legends

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:10 pm on 15 November 2016.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of David Rowlands David Rowlands UKIP 4:10, 15 November 2016

I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his statement. First, can I congratulate the Cabinet Secretary on the very successful Year of Adventure? I would add that following his own personal involvement with Bear Grylls and Richard Parks, we are all grateful that he chose not to pursue a career in that direction. The excellent promotion of such iconic attractions as ZipWorld in Bethesda and the world’s largest underground trampoline in the Llechwedd slate caverns, together with the more established attractions such as Pembrokeshire’s coastal paths and a whole host of other adventure activities too numerous to mention here, must not go unnoticed. I’m sure we all look forward to the Year of Legends having an equally if not better outcome in attracting new and greater numbers of visitors to Wales. I think all of us would agree that there are legends aplenty here in Wales with an equally plentiful landscape of castles and places of historic interest.

Whilst this direction of travel is to be welcomed, Cabinet Secretary, does the Cabinet Secretary not agree with me that we should also seek to keep these new visitors in Wales for longer periods? So, could he outline any proposals he has to achieve this? I bring this to your notice because there are a number of hotels in Cardiff that are very worried about access to the hotels, that’s coming about by the development of the bus station and proposals from Cardiff city council. So, could you just outline where you believe we ought to be travelling with regard to that? Thank you.