Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy – in the Senedd at 1:37 pm on 1 December 2021.
Thank you for the question. And I should say, Wales has a good track record of not just attracting but gaining real benefit from major events, and there is real credit to the Member for his time in Government in helping to move that forward. We see the events that we help to fund having a return on the investment of around about 10:1, so it does provide significant economic benefit, but also, as we said, cultural and social. And I'm enthusiastic about Wrexham's bid for the UK City of Culture; they're the only Welsh entrant still left in the race. And we've seen from other UK cities of culture that it can be a catalyst for more investment and a greater understanding of that city and its near neighbours, and what that can do in terms of attracting more investment from both inward investors in business terms, as well as looking to build on a record of a sustainable visitor economy. So, I think it's a really positive aspect, and my officials will be happy to explore opportunities to collaborate to showcase events for 2025, should Wrexham be successful. And I hope that every Member in the Chamber—north, south, east and west—will wish Wrexham well in their bid to be the UK City of Culture in just a few years' time.