Welsh Government support for tourism facilities

Welsh Government business minister Edwina Hart has revealed that £1.5m is to be invested in new and existing tourism facilities in order to help improve visitors' experience.

The announcement coincides with Wales Tourism Week and includes £500,000 towards the upgrade of amenities at Ruthin Castle Hotel, a 60-bedroom property in Denbighshire.

Plans for Ruthin Castle will lead to the development of The Moat, which will allow the hotel to offer more spa and hydro experiences and the "start" of a wellness centre.

The property's Beauty Suite, which is open to hotel guests and day visitors, currently offers a range of treatments using Elemis and Bare Escentuals products.

Other schemes set to benefit from Welsh Government funding include a boutique apartment complex being developed in the Grade II-listed Strand property in Swansea (£150,000).

Beacon Climbing Centre in Caernarfon has been awarded £100,000 towards its relocation to a new site on the outskirts of the town, which will offer climbing and high ropes activities.

Great Breaks Leisure in Barmouth is also among the recipients of funding, which will go to support the development of four-star holiday accommodation on the North Welsh coast.

Hart said: "To compete effectively with other regions and destinations we have to be able to offer a high quality experience."

Details: wales.gov.uk