Why Wales is the perfect alternative to Europe

Sunday, July 19th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed

Tourism in the ‘valleys’ does appear to be thriving, forgetting old rivalries. It could be a whole bunch of things such as the hassle of being stranded at an airport, the high value of the pound, or the recession. Maybe it is simply that people are realising the potential of visiting somewhere nearby with so much to offer. It certainly is good news for Wales and Scotland, but not so good for the Spanish and Portugese.

It’s now more attractive for continental visitors to come, as a result of the weaker pound. This potential has been recognised by the Wales Tourist Board, who are in the process of appointing an agency to oversee their plans.

There is an increase of 5 per cent year on year to 48 per cent of people choosing to holiday in their own country, according to the European Commision. I can see hear an obvious pattern beginning to emerge. You tend to look at a trip to Wales or Scotland as being ‘local’ if you come from England. It’s not an old colonial thing with us, but more to do with connection of national characteristics. It also helps to have the same currency and a physical link, unhindered by water. Whilst being an English man through and through, I still relate to holidays in Wales as being something different.

I am ashamed to say that my own experiences have been minimal, and generally limited to the north of Wales. One of the best things to do in Wales would be a visit to the mountainous region of the Snowdonia National Park. I love the mountain region, and would naturally head for holiday cottages in Wales as my choice of accommodation. I once stayed in a lovely cottage in Llanberis, close to the Llanberis pass. From there it was possible to see the rugged peaks of Snowdon, and the other beautiful scenery such as the twin lakes of Llyn Padarn and Llyn Peris. There are many routes to walk to the summit, or , if you prefer, you can catch a train from Llanberis.

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