Colwyn Bay is ‘too depressing’

Feb 4 2010 by Tom Bodden, North Wales Weekly News

COLWYN Bay is too depressing and needs more inspiring messages to galvanise its tourism industry.

Marketing consultants say Colwyn Bay, as well as Rhyl in Denbighshire, needs rebranding to promote a positive image.

Authors of the report, Turning the Tide, studied tourism on a 15-mile stretch between Rhos-on-Sea and Prestatyn.

They said: “Whilst there is a great deal of nostalgic affection for places such as Colwyn Bay from childhood memories, the area still has a strong negative image. It’s seen as shabby and depressing with little to do.

“It will be an uphill struggle to attract new customers unless this image can be challenged and altered.”

The researchers aim to turn North Wales into a top five tourism destination.

Their report says: “We need to put out more compelling and inspiring messages, be less passive in our marketing and more coordinated. We need to create a splash and get the region talked about in a more positive way.”

Its report, however, also found that North Wales as a whole is seen “more positively”.

North Wales attracts 1.3 million staying visitors and 1.8m day visitors a year which pays for 5,000 tourism jobs.

Tourism Partnership North Wales insists it will boost the region’s image. It will be focussing on “distinctive strengths”, investing in “product excellence”, providing an “outstanding experience”.

Conwy County Council leader Dilwyn Roberts denied that Colwyn Bay is depressing.

He said: “Colwyn Bay is the exact opposite of depressing. There is room to improve but we are identifying the potential.”

He hailed the approved £6m Parc Eirias rugby and events complex, which will become the home ground of Rygbi Gogledd Cymru.

He said: “That will encourage tourism because people will play or support rugby there, like the place, come back and spend their money.

“Other proposals in the Bay Life development plan can stimulate investment in the area, support business stability and result in new employment and prosperity for the local population.”

Last month, Cllr Roberts attended the launch of a £2m Welsh Assembly tourism strategy in Caernarfon.

The report was compiled by London-based marketing consultants The Tourism Company, and was commissioned by Tourism Partnership North Wales, the Welsh Assembly and Conwy and Denbighshire councils.

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