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Attractions on Holy Island are to benefit from a funding boost, First Minister Carwyn Jones will announce today during a visit to Holyhead.

First published:
15 March 2018
Last updated:

This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government

The aim of the project is to transform Holy Island into an iconic destination, making the most of its strategic location as a gateway for international visitors to Wales and the UK.

The project will include improving the visitor welcome at Holyhead port and railway station highlighting what Holy Island, Anglesey and North Wales have to offer the visitor.

The plans also feature improvements to key sites on Holy Island including the iconic St Cybi’s Church and Roman fort site, and Holyhead Breakwater Park, including improved facilities and interpretation.  Signage will also be provided to assist with connections between attractions.

The developments at Holyhead are part of the Welsh Government’s wider EU funded Tourism Attractor Destination programme, led by Visit Wales, which aims to create 11 must see destinations across Wales.   The project is designed to address business investment and employment growth within the tourism sector in the regions, and put Wales on the world map as a holiday destination.

Ahead of a visit to St Cybi’s Church and Roman Fort site the First Minister said:

“Holyhead is the gateway to Wales and the UK for thousands of visitors every year.  It has a rich history stretching back to roman and medieval times and has a wealth of natural attractions.  

“This funding boost will improve and raise the profile of these attractions, encouraging visitors to spend more time in Holyhead.  It will allow the town to make the most of its unique strategic location.

“This announcement is part of a wider programme of major investment in tourism to create a number of must-see attractions across Wales and is a vote of confidence in Holyhead and what it has to offer.”

Anglesey County Council Leader, Councillor Llinos Medi Huws said:

“We very much welcome this announcement of investment to improve and enhance Holy Island’s role as a key visitor gateway into Anglesey and other parts of North Wales. This package will help us to improve the visitor experience at key locations, helping to promote what the area has to offer, making sure that visitors are made aware that they are in Wales and giving them a flavour of Welsh culture and heritage. In this way we aim to see greater economic benefits from tourism to local businesses and communities.”