Prominent journalists from across Qatar, China, India and Australia were at Llangoed Hall yesterday to discuss all things Culture, Tourism and Sport with Welsh Government Minister Lord Elis-Thomas.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The journalists, in Wales following the inaugural Qatar Airways flight to Cardiff, are on a Visit Wales led tour, designed to allow them to sample some of Wales’ premier tourism destinations, food and attractions.
This builds on the Marketing Partnership Agreement between the Welsh Government and Qatar Airways – which will see extensive activity in Asia Pacific to raise awareness of the connecting route via Doha into Cardiff Airport and increase Wales’ visibility as a holiday destination.
Lord Elis-Thomas said:
The direct flight between Cardiff Airport and Doha opens up significant opportunities for Wales as it’s now a viable tourism destination for a wider audience from all corners of the world. This tour is an opportunity to show what Wales has to offer for foodies and adventurers alike.
The feedback, today and from partners and dignitaries from Qatar and beyond, has been very positive and shows that the Welsh welcome is very much alive and well. We have over 600 castles, three national parks, two international dark sky reserves and a variety of music festivals for visitors to enjoy.
This visit, allows us to showcase the breadth and quality of what’s on offer here and I look forward to making the most of this link so that the sector continues to prosper.
Saurabh Sinha, Times of India said:
I love the glorious welsh countryside, so green and the people are so welcoming. I’ve been to Britain many times but never to Wales - I’m very impressed and I’m sure my readers will enjoy reading about this wonderful, hospitable country
Calum Milne, Managing Director of Llangoed Hall, said:
I was delighted to welcome Lord Elis-Thomas and his guests from the Inaugural Doha Qatar to Cardiff Wales Flight here to Llangoed Hall. Llangoed has a long established relationship with the Gulf Region and its citizens and this new connection extends the hand of friendship to Qatar and beyond - new friendships and business have been forged and I look forward to opening Mid Wales to additional Gulf tourists.
The six day long whistle stop tour of South and Mid Wales includes a helicopter ride along the Pembrokeshire coast, a visit to Big Pit coal Mine, beaches, castles and a taste of food and drink from across Wales, with the aim of building partnerships with Qatari and Asia Pacific media and promoting Wales as a premier tourism destination and food producer.