Do you have an interest in tourism?

A  Forum set up to keep tourism businesses, students and anyone with an interest in tourism, up to date with the latest developments in the industry takes place this October.

The next Denbighshire Tourism Forum takes place on Thursday, 26^th October at the Oriel House, St Asaph at 11am. This free event offers a great opportunity for delegates to network and share experiences, knowledge and ideas.

There will be a variety of guest speakers:–

•  Ken Skates AM – Cabinet Secretary for Economy & Infrastructure
• Councillor Hugh Evans OBE – Leader of Denbighshire County Council
• Simon Jones – Owner, Pro Kitesurfing
• Russell Vaughan – Project Manager for Rhyl Waterfront Developments, Denbighshire County Council
• Hannah Arndt – Ride North Wales, Denbighshire County Council

 To book a place at the Forum please e-mail: tourism@denbighshire.gov.uk or telephone: 01824 706223 / 706915.  You can also book a place via the online booking system.

 

Have you spotted this taxi?

 

Going to London in the near future? Keep a lookout for a London Taxi showing a great image of the Nova in Prestatyn! (can't miss those colours!) 

If you find it - take a photo or selfie with the taxi and send it to tourism@denbighshire.gov.uk or post it on our Discover Denbighshire Facebook page to be in with a chance to win a 6 month Total Gym membership to the Nova.

Full terms and conditions can be found here.

Good luck!

North East Wales Secures Grant for Tourism Activity

A grant of £40,000 from Welsh Government has been secured to highlight North East Wales’ tourism offer.

Lead partner Denbighshire County Council, together with Wrexham County Borough Council and Flintshire County Council have joined forces to run a ‘Routes to the Sea’ project during Visit Wales’ themed Year of the Sea in 2018 and have been successful in the funding from Welsh Governments’ Regional Tourism Engagement Fund 2017-2019.

The project, supported by the three county Destination Management Partnerships, aims to showcase and tell engaging stories about the region’s coastline, cycle routes, walking trails, mountain biking, outdoor activities, landscape, historic sites, canals and rivers as well as celebrate the food offer.

Ian Lebbon, Chair of Denbighshire Destination Management Partnership said:  “I’m really pleased to hear that the North East Wales partnership has secured this funding to continue the great work in promoting the region to both residents and visitors. We know tourism plays a vital part in the regions’ economy and this funding will help to ensure we continue to build a thriving, sustainable tourism economy.”

Economy Secretary, Ken Skates, said: “Innovative projects are key to the future success of tourism and attracting visitors to Wales. The North East Wales funding is part of £2 million which has been approved for a total of 38 projects across Wales under the Tourism Product Innovation Fund and Regional Tourism Engagement Fund.  I’m delighted that this funding enables the private and public sectors to develop innovative projects that will stimulate demand and improve the visitor offer through supporting our themed years.”

A variety of high quality images and short films featuring many of our key locations and landmarks such as the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal World Heritage Site, Wales Coast Path and Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty will be produced.

Building on the success of the 2017 North East Wales Food Challenge; a ‘Year of the Sea’ Food Challenge will also be launched in 2018 which will showcase our food offer and restaurants associated with our coast and waterways.

For more information on North East Wales please visit www.northeastwales.wales

Visitor numbers on the up in Denbighshire

Denbighshire’s tourism industry is thriving according to recent research. Figures have been released as part of the STEAM programme – Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor, which aims to measure the impact of tourism from both staying and day visitors.

Tourism plays a vital part in Denbighshire’s economy, with a total economic impact in 2016 of over £479 million, an increase of 3.2% compared to the previous year and 50% increase compared to 10 years ago.

In 2016, the total number of visits to Denbighshire – taking into account tourism day visits and staying visitors was nearly 6 million, increasing by 1.7% from 2015 and 23% compared to 10 years ago.

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire and who is also the Cabinet Lead Member for the Economy, said: “This is great news for Denbighshire and I’m delighted that our tourism industry is growing. Staying visitors accounted for 67% of the total economic impact last year; which highlights the importance of attracting high quality accommodation to the region.

“The latest figures reveal that Denbighshire continues to be a popular choice for day trippers and over 6,000 full time jobs were supported by tourism spend in 2016, which demonstrates the contribution the sector makes to our local economy by providing services to the community and employment opportunities for our residents.

“Capitalising on Visit Wales marketing campaigns, working with partners to deliver our Destination Management Plan and the increased popularity of North Wales as a holiday destination all play an important role in increasing awareness of the wealth of attractions, facilities and services available in the county.”

Ian Lebbon, Chair of the Denbighshire Destination Partnership, said: “It’s great to see the increase in visitor numbers to the county for both day and staying visitors. We will continue to look at innovative ways to attract more visitors especially highlighting our hidden gems and hands-on experiences that many people are seeking when choosing their breaks.

We are currently finalising our Destination Management Plan for 2017-20 in partnership with local businesses and groups to ensure long-term sustainability for the development of tourism in the county.”

STEAM reports give a month by month account of the performance of the tourism industry within an area, from which, trends can be identified and acted upon. Such research is vital to ensure the future development and success of the industry.

For more information please visit www.discoverdenbighshire.wales.

Tourism potential of red squirrels

A group of Denbighshire Tourism Ambassadors visited Clocaenog Forest recently to learn more about the work of Red Squirrels Trust Wales in helping to protect the native red squirrel population and explore the tourism growth potential.

Clocaenog Forest is one of three strongholds for red squirrels in Wales. The others being in mid-Wales and of course Anglesey. In the 1990’s red squirrels were widespread in Clocaenog Forest and were considered to be Wales’ largest population until the success on Anglesey. Strong media interest has grown the tourism potential of red squirrels on Anglesey.

Becky Clews-Roberts, Red Squirrel Ranger at Clocaenog Forest says, “Being Red Squirrel Awareness Week, it was great to meet the Ambassadors and talk to them about the work happening on their doorstep. I love the look on people’s faces when I tell them that a few red squirrels survive in Clocaenog Forest! Raising awareness of the issues surrounding their decline is key to my role in the Red Squirrels United (RSU) project, a 3-year funded HLF project, and many people have decided to volunteer to help in the conservation effort”.

“A large part of my role is to recruit, train and mentor volunteers. I’m fortunate that so many dedicated people want to help but we still need more! There’s also a lot of partnership work involved. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) manage Clocaenog Forest and they are undertaking a huge amount of work to help the red squirrels that still exist there. We have run several joint training days and jointly manage a suite of trail cameras that show us how the reds are doing.”

Tourism Ambassadors are a group of local tourism businesses who work together to share best practice and promote Denbighshire and the wider North East Wales area.

Roberta Roberts, Blue Badge Tour Guide and Ambassador says, “I was amazed to learn about the things they need to survive. These indigenous species need all the help they can get. As a tourist guide I will share my new knowledge with visitors whilst travelling on coach tours through North Wales. I think visitors will love to know about the success of conservation activities in the area.”

If anyone wishes to get involved, wants to know more or spots a red squirrel in the forest, please contact Becky at beckyredsquirrel@gmail.com or visit www.redsquirrels.info. If you are interested in becoming a Tourism Ambassador please contact tourism@denbighshire.gov.uk or read the blog on www.discoverdenbighshire.wales