- May 18, 2018
- Posted by: Vikki Howells MS
- Category: Latest News
Vikki Howells AM is marking tourism week by visiting Dare Valley Country Park in her Cynon Valley constituency.
Vikki wanted to use Tourism Week to thank the tourism industry and people of Cynon Valley for their part in making Wales such a world-class visitor destination that attracts more than 10 million visitors each year.
Dare Valley Country Park is located in Aberdare, and was one of the first Country Parks in the UK to be opened on a former industrial site. The park opened in December 1973, with the visitor centre opening in 1983. The park is situated in a glacial valley which was formed in the last ice age, remnants of the glacier can be seen at the Darran (Glacial Cwm) which provides suitable nesting spots for Peregrine Falcons.
The park offers a Visitor Centre, accommodation in the form of a hotel, caravan and camping facilities, a number of tranquil walking trails, which includes two lakes and outdoor activities such as Combat Live Zone. In addition to this there is an on-site café, Y Cwtch, and a Dark Sky Discovery site, the Orion Class. Car parking is available, including Coach parking. Over a 100,000 visitors came to enjoy the site last year.
Each year, Wales welcomes more than 10 million overnight visitors – that’s well over three visitors per head of population. The Wales Visitor Survey consistently shows that the feeling of welcome and the feeling of security, along with the quality of the natural environment, are among the highest-rated aspects of visits to Wales.
Vikki Howells said:
“Tourism is crucial to the Welsh economy and the fantastic welcome Welsh people offer means tourists are always keen to return”
This is of course the case in Cynon Valley where we are famous for our warm welcome and beautiful scenery.”
Dare Valley Country Park is one of my favourite places, so where better to visit in tourism week.”
“The amazing staff here and at visitor attractions across Wales do a great job. The future of Welsh tourism is safe in their hands.”
End
Note to Editors: Vikki is pictured at the Dare Valley Country Park with Councillor Robert Bevan, RCT Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Housing.