Tourism in the ‘valleys’ does appear to be thriving, forgetting old rivalries. It may be a combination of value of the pound, for example or the recession or the thought of getting stuck at an airport. Maybe it is simply that people are realising the potential of visiting somewhere nearby with so much to offer. It might not be so good for traditional holiday places like Spain and Portugal, but it certainly is for Wales and Scotland.
In fact the value of the pound has made it far more attractive for visitors from the continent. This potential has been recognised by the Wales Tourist Board, who are in the process of appointing an agency to oversee their plans.
The figures according to the European Commision, say that 48 per cent of people are likely to spend their holiday in their own country, up by 5 per cent year on year. To me it would appear that there is a growing trend. If you live in England, then you tend to view a visit to Wales or Scotland as being a ‘local’ trip. It is not because we have some past feeling of domination, but more a question of similar national interests. It is also important that there is no water barrier between us, and the fact that we share a currency and language. Whilst being an English man through and through, I still consider holidays in Wales is a very different event.
I am ashamed to say that my own experiences have been minimal, and generally limited to the north of Wales. One of the greatest things to do in Wales would be walking to the summit of Mount Snowdon, and a visit to the Snowdonia National Park. The mountain region is one of my favourite, and I would certainly choose holiday cottages in Wales as the accommodation I would most like to experience. I remember staying once in a little cottage not too far from the pass at Llanberis. We could see the rugged peaks of Mount Snowdon from there, and the twin lakes of Llyn Padam and Lyn Peris. You can walk one of the many routes to the summit or catch a train from Llanberis, which goes to over 3,000 feet.