Betws-y-Coed looks to boost tourism offering

Jun 17 2010 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

Betws-y-Coed clock

BETWS-Y-COED could soon benefit from a Tourism Hub similar to those operating in the Lake District, Scotland and the Alps – attracting thousands more visitors to the area each year.

If planning permission goes ahead, the Conwy Valley village would see its abandoned football changing rooms at Cae Llan turned into a central hub for North Wales’ outdoor tourism activities.

The would attract a new wave of visitors to the region.

“We would look to act as a booking agent for all local tourism activity providers,” explained local entrepreneur and brains behind the idea Sean Taylor.

“These kind of central activity hubs already successfully operate in the Alps and in Scotland. I have seen it for myself after a fact-finding visit to Scotland and Betws-y-Coed has just the same potential to provide this kind of central service.

“I am not looking to work in competition against anyone, once open the Tourism Hub would act as a central location for visitors to come to book any kind of outdoor activity available in the area and beyond.

“We will be working closely with all activity providers, no-one would be excluded, everyone has the opportunity to be involved. We would mealy be acting as a booking agent for the activities.”

At a recent community council meeting in Betws-y-Coed ex-marine Sean, who runs the popular Tree Top Adventure high-wire course, gained the councils unanimous support after explaining how the Hub would give all tourism providers the opportunity to join.

Cllr Marian Betteney said: “I think what Sean is proposing sounds great for the village.

“He is doing something for the whole area not just Betws, we can’t just live on what used to happen, we need to diversify and Sean really seems to be doing it in a good way involving everyone and he knows business.”

Council chairman Jim Boughton agreed. He said: “I think we can support the idea in principle.”

County Cllr Liz Roberts said Sean's business acumen was an asset. She added: “ Having Shaun is a big asset to the community council in getting more business into the area and more revenue through outdoor activities. He has his finger on the pulse.”

The community Cllrs voted unanimously to support the proposed Tourism Hub

Shaun added: “As well as being a hub for tourism activity information we will also keep the shower facilities at the changing rooms for visitors to use and if the football club ever reformed they will still have full use of it.

“The idea of the Tourism Hub is still in the early planning stages but I am looking for as much local support as possible.”