Welsh Government
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Wales Coast Path leads to local economic boost
Confirming its continued success the “Visitor Survey” and “Business Benefits Survey” show that people and families visiting the Coast Path provided a £32.3m economic boost to coastal towns and villages across Wales between October 2012 and September 2013.
The average spend per party in the local area (excluding accommodation) was £21.05 with the most common overnight stay being taken in local campsites or caravan parks (41%). The average cost of paid accommodation during this period was £57.20.
Minister for Culture & Sport, John Griffiths said:
“The Path is not only helping to raise the international profile of Wales but it is also growing the Welsh economy and bringing tourist spend and attracting new visitors to our coastal towns and villages.
“We are continuing to invest in improvements to the Path so that the visitor experience is good and people, communities and local business benefit from an association with it."
Formally opened in May 2012 the Wales Coast Path is the first continuous path in the world that runs along a country’s entire coastline - stretching 870 miles from the River Dee in Flintshire to Chepstow in the south.
The project was established in 2007 and the Path opened in 2012. Over this time Welsh Government has provided £ 10.5 million supplemented by EU funding totalling £3.9 million. A further £1.15 million Welsh Government funding has been allocated for both 2013/2014 and 2014/15 to deliver new Path route alignment and provision of information.
Emyr Roberts, Chief Executive of Natural Resources Wales said:
"It's great news for Wales that the coast path is benefiting our local economies. As well as the financial benefits, the path offers excellent recreational benefits for people of all abilities.”
“Whether you are looking to attempt the whole 870 miles or just a short stretch, you can really enjoy the magnificent Welsh coastline and improve your health in doing so."
The Wales Coast Path encourages local people as well as visitors to get out and enjoy the Welsh coast and reap the health benefits of being active in the great outdoors.
Plans will be drawn up with Natural Resources Wales about how the Path will be managed when the current improvement programme ends in 2015.
