8/9/2005

Visitors contributed over ã£456m to Cardiffâ��s economy during 2004 according to research undertaken for Cardiff Councilâ��s Marketing & Tourism Service.

Over 675,000 guests stayed in paid accommodation in the city during the year, with a further half a million staying with family or friends, an increase of over 8% in staying visitor numbers on the previous year. Added to this over 9.6 million people flocked to the city as day visitors, helping pour more money into the local economy than any year since 2001.

The benefits of tourism were felt across the sectors. The highest levels of spend were on food and drink, shopping and accommodation, and the research also shows that tourism supports nearly 8,400 full-time equivalent jobs in the city.

Cardiff saw the highest number of visitors of all regions in Wales, and the amount spent was the third highest in Wales behind Gwynedd and Conwy where visitors tend also to spend more time.

Councillor Nigel Howells, Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, said the findings demonstrated the value of tourism to the local economy.

�The upward trend in visitor numbers and expenditure is a clear indication that we are getting it right as far as developing Cardiff as a visitor destination is concerned. The combination of high profile events, world-class visitor attractions, superb conference facilities, shopping and being a gateway to the rest of South Wales makes the city attractive to a wide range of different people.

�However the important thing is that these visitors are supporting local businesses, both in terms of the money they spend here and the employment opportunities they help create. We really can�t ignore the contribution tourism makes to the local economy and will work at making sure the trend stays positive so that Cardiff continues to benefit.�

The research data was collected by the Council�s Marketing & Visitor Services group, which oversees the strategic development of tourism in Cardiff. Sally Edwards Hart, Operational Manager for Marketing & Visitor Services said:

â��We are very grateful to the many hotels and visitor attractions that share their information with us and make this research possible.ã  It is of course vital for the Council and tourism businesses that we keep track of trends and we couldnâ��t do this without a joint effort. â��