The First Minister has today visited two north Wales tourism businesses that are looking at further expansion and growth during 2017.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
While visiting the Grade II listed Washington Hotel in Llandudno, the First Minister announced Tourism Investment Support funding of £190,000 - which will see this iconic building transformed into the new home for Dylan’s Restaurant.
This will be the third site for company and the £1.5m project will create up to 40 new jobs, bringing the total number of staff across Dylan's three restaurant sites and their Llangefni based prep kitchen and head office to 180.
Building work is now underway with the aim of opening late spring 2017. The aim is to bring to the town the unique Dylan's style of relaxed, informal dining over two floors with a stand alone cocktail bar and outdoor terrace.
Dylan's Director, David Evans said:
"We are very pleased to welcome the First Minister on his visit to north Wales, and we’re really proud to be working alongside other important projects in the region that enrich the visitor experience and help drive the local economy.
"The potent mix of fine local food, the wonderful natural beauty of region and its exciting outdoor activities combine to make north west Wales an increasingly attractive tourism destination, as recent visitor numbers so clearly demonstrate.
"We'd like to thank the Welsh Government for supporting us with the refurbishment of our new site in Llandudno. Work is progressing well at the Washington, and we look forward to opening in May this year."
The First Minister also saw work taking place on Zip World Fforest’s new Alpine Coaster which will be the first of its design in the UK. It is designed to run on rails that skirt through trees on elevated tracks. This type of toboggan run has proved an outstanding success in ski areas across Europe, Asia and America, with its all-weather capability. The 1km long Alpine Coaster will open early 2017 and received £320,000 through the Tourism Investment Support Scheme.
Sean Taylor, Commercial Director, said:
“Adventure tourism is booming in north Wales. In fact, we are so confident in its future that we are investing £5.5million over the next 12 months to help consolidate its rightful position as an adventure capital.
“This year will see us unveil a £1.5million Alpine Coaster, bringing yet another UK-first to the area. A recent economic impact study on Zip World revealed that since 2013, Zip World attractions has generated £121 million for the north Wales economy and created more than 218 jobs with over 93% of these jobs going to local people.”
The First Minister, said:
“Visiting these two businesses shows that quality and innovation while making the most of our landscape and heritage gives Wales’ tourism industry strong, uniquely Welsh products which can attract people to Wales. It’s no wonder that north Wales was listed by Lonely Planet as one of the top ten places to visit in 2017. I wish the companies well for the future.”