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Tourism: Overseas visitors to Wales drop by 33%

• Published 6 August 2023
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The Federation of Small Businesses wants the Welsh government to rethink the introduction of a planned tourism tax

The number of overseas visitors to Wales dropped by a third in three years, new figures show.

International Passenger Survey data, released by the Welsh government, shows there were 33% fewer inbound visitors to Wales in 2022 than 2019.

The amount they spent also dropped by 24%.

Businesses said that while wet weather could deter holidaymakers, a bigger factor was the cost of living crisis.

Sean Taylor, founder and president of Zip World based in Llanrwst, Conwy county, said the six-week school summer holiday was "absolutely essential" for the business.

He added: "The 49 days of summer holidays, including the Scottish holidays, accounts for about 55% of our turnover during the year - it's that important.

"We've had 13 consecutive interest rate rises - it's going to hit people in the pocket."

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Mr Taylor said the business, which employs about 850 people across centres in Wales and England, has noted that people are still spending on the daring rides, but are cutting back in cafes and shops.

"We were forecasting probably a 10% (increase) on last year, [but] at the moment, if we can come in where we were last year, it will be a real result," he said.

It is at the cafes and shops at attractions like Zip World where visitors are said to be cutting back

The poor weather has meant a reduction in day-trippers, with Mr Taylor saying it has affected people who would usually have travelled from Liverpool, Manchester and Wirral.

It is a similar story in the middle of the country, according to Roland Rees-Evans, director of Penrhos Park holiday park in Llanrhystyd and chairman of Mid Wales Tourism Cymru.

He said there was "no doubt" he had seen "a bit of a slow down" and, while bookings were on a par with last year, "people are looking for the bargains".

He added that the main issue for businesses was rising costs.

"The cleaning costs, the rates, everything associated with it is actually going up which is obviously squeezing on margins," said Mr Rees-Evans.

"People with mortgages are already struggling and it has its challenges for all of us, not just for the businesses but for everyone in rural Wales and across Wales as a whole."

Office for Nation Statistics data released in May 2023 and published by the Welsh government last week indicated that visitor spend in Wales was estimated to be £391m in 2022, down on the £515m spent in 2019.

Ben Francis of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said the organisation has called on the Welsh government to rethink the introduction of the planned tourism tax .

"We feel now isn't the time for another barrier to be added in circumstances where we're seeing far lower numbers visiting Wales," he said.

He added that FSB was pleased to see the Welsh Affairs Select Committee back calls for both the UK and Welsh government to improve the marketing of Wales as a holiday destination for overseas visitors.

"We're seeing far lower numbers visiting Wales," says Ben Francis from the FSB

The Welsh government said it was aware of the challenges facing the tourism sector and is working closely with the industry.

It defended the planned visitor levy, adding that it could "make a real difference" by generating revenue.

A spokesman added: "Our focus is on spreading tourism benefits throughout Wales, encouraging increased spend through the year.

"The impact of the economic choices taken by the UK government is having a negative impact on Welsh tourism. The Welsh government is using all the levers at its disposal to support people, families, businesses and communities through these difficult times."

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Tourism Barometer

The Tourism Barometer provides a ‘snapshot’ of industry performance after important points in the tourism calendar.

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The Barometer also assesses business confidence in the Welsh tourism industry and in addition to the core questions can include questions on topical issues. Each wave consists of 800 telephone interviews with businesses, supplemented by comments from industry bodies. The barometer provides indicative results at national, regional and sectoral level.

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Understanding how tourism is performing is crucial to any tourism business owner or visitor destination. Research is useful to help support your marketing, investment and development decisions and help you  

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Overview of Visitor Economy in Wales

This infographic provides an overview of the main headline tourism statistics for Wales

Details of Tourism Surveys

The Welsh Government publishes a wide range of tourism research based on a number of industry and visitor surveys.  This includes the following information published on the Welsh Government website

A comprehensive report that includes the most recent quarterly data from the main tourism surveys.  Updates of the report are published four times a year.

The Tourism Barometer provides a ‘snapshot’ of industry performance after important points in the tourism calendar based on a survey of tourism businesses across Wales.

The survey is a national consumer survey measuring the volume and value of overnight trips taken by the residents of Great Britain. It includes data on 

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This is the source of official statistics on day visits by British residents to destinations throughout Britain. It includes data on 

• activities undertaken, 

The survey is undertaken by the Office for National Statistics and provides volume and value data on international visitors to the UK, including Wales.  The Office for National Statistics publish regular updates. The Visit Britain website also has useful information showing trends in visitation to UK and Wales. 

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• profile of visitors. 

The occupancy surveys provide annual and monthly trend information on the demand for all of the main types of tourist accommodation in Wales.

This annual report monitors trends in the tourist attraction sector. It provides a greater understanding of the sector to both industry and public sector organisations.

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The Welsh tourism statistics that show how nation's sector bounced back after lockdown pain

Tourism chiefs welcomed the overall figures but warned about the costs and recruitment challenges ahead - and reiterated it was not the time for a tourism tax

• 10:47, 13 MAY 2022

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New visitor figures for Wales have shown the tourism sector bounced back strongly in 2021 after lockdown was lifted. But significant challenges remain as rising costs and recruitment issues impact the industry.

The Accommodation Occupancy Survey Annual Report for 2021 has been released by Visit Wales. It gives a lowdown on how the sector has rebounded as pandemic restrictions eased.

Overall it is positive reading with the hotel segment nearly back to 2019 occupancy levels and well up on 2020. It also outperformed England, despite longer Covid restrictions, and the rest of Europe for occupancy levels. This was partly due to less reliance to overseas visitors - although the room rate paid remains lower than rival destinations.

Self catering and holiday park figures were also very encouraging but hostels and bunkhouses - badly impacted by Covid rules - remain well down on the pre-pandemic period.

READ MORE: Fears Welsh hotel 'unviable' unless something done about costs tsunami

The figures were welcomed by the sector but warnings issued over future challenges. These include the greater competition as more people in the UK travel abroad as rules ease as well as spiralling costs and a recruitment crisis.

Jim Jones, from North Wales Tourism, said these issues were why a tourism tax was the "last thing" Wales needed at the current time.

Survey findings

In the hotel sector Wales showed a strong bounce back on 2020 but with lockdowns affecting the start of the year the overall figures were narrowly down on 2019. Room occupancy was 64% in 2021 - up from 45% in 2020 - but down marginally on the 66% in 2019 before the pandemic hit. The country faired well in comparison to England which saw room occupancy at 54% (41% in 2020). The average for Europe in 2021 was 43%.

North Wales was the top performer in the country with occupancy (May to December 2021) at 79% - compared to 76% in South West Wales and 69% in South East and Mid Wales.

But the average daily rate paid on a room remains well below that in England at just over £66 (£52 in 2020)- compared to £85 (£73 in 2020) over the border. The rate in Wales remains just below the pre-pandemic period.

Guesthouses/B&Bs

The annual room and bedspace occupancy across the guesthouse/B&B sector was 60% and 50% respectively, almost double that seen in 2020 - but low sample numbers mean the figures should be viewed with caution.

Self catering:

This sector was actually above pre-pandemic levels in 2021 with occupancy levels at 61%, an upturn of 9 percentage points on the previous year. Across the regions, North Wales achieved the highest unit occupancy at 68%.

The average unit occupancy between May and October was 81% - compared to 69% in 2019, perhaps showing the pent up demand to get away after lockdowns. They don't show comparisons with other parts of the UK.

Static caravan (May to October)

The static caravan and holiday homes sector has seen continued growth over the past five years. In 2021 the seasonal average (May – October) for static caravans and holiday homes reached 94%, up 5 percentage points on 2020 (89%) and the highest level achieved in the period under review dating back to 2017.

Touring caravans and tents:

The average pitch occupancy for touring caravan and camping parks in 2021 was 46%, a rise of 14 percentage points on the previous year and the highest since 2018. Across the five year period under review, inland locations have generally performed above those in coastal locations.

Hostels and Bunkhouses

These facilities were the hardest hit by Covid restrictions and annual average bedspace occupancy in 2021 was 37%. This was an increase in occupancy levels of 12 percentage points when compared to 2020. But it remains well before the pre-pandemic period when occupancy was just over 50% on average.

Jim Jones, the chief executive of North Wales Tourism, said: “The results give us some room for optimism.

"Let’s not forget this industry was left reeling after being hit very hard and it will take a few years to get back to pre-pandemic levels.

"While some areas of the sector suffered a lot more than others, many did everything they could to stay afloat, like the hostels and bunkhouses for examples.

“Now we are facing a whole new set of challenges, with a major recruitment crisis and soaring day to day running costs and living costs.

“The initial increase in growth we witnessed last year was largely due to the lifting of restrictions and the limited opportunities for overseas travel.

“Now things are getting back to normal, we need a concerted effort to recognise there are still difficulties ahead but we need to now more than ever raise the profile of Wales and of course North Wales on the international market.

“The tourism and hospitality sector is a key part of our economic infrastructure and before Covid struck it was generating £3.6 billion a year and provided employment for 43.000 people

“The industry has the potential to play an integral role in our economic recovery in North Wales so the last thing we need is for visitors to be discouraged from coming here with the imposition of a tourism tax.”

The survey authors concluded: "COVID-19 continued to inflict difficulties for hotels in Wales and elsewhere in the UK and beyond in 2021. Travel restrictions impacted performance in the first four months of the year and other factors, such as subdued international travel and consumer anxiety regarding the virus, created a challenging backdrop for hoteliers during the rest of the year.

"However, hotels in Wales rebounded strongly in 2021 as occupancy increased to near, albeit below, pre-pandemic levels.

"This was aided at least in part by strong domestic demand as many UK holidaymakers chose to explore rural regions of the UK instead of undertaking international travel. This trend helped to support ADR(room rate) growth too as hotels capitalized on strong summer seasonal demand, although overall ADR and RevPAR performance was below pre-pandemic levels.

"Hotels in South East Wales benefitted less from increased staycations compared with other regions. Performance in the region was impacted due to its traditional reliance on business travellers and a shift in consumer behaviour as travellers continued to largely shy away from urban destinations during the year.

"Repeating a trend observed last year, larger hotels with more than 100 rooms achieved significantly lower occupancy than their counterparts with fewer rooms. It will be interesting to monitor the performance of different sized hotels along with regional trends in 2022 and beyond as consumers continue to adapt with living with the virus."

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Headline Steam Figures 2015

Eryri National Park prides itself on being a special part of the country where people come to relax and enjoy a wide range of leisure activities in spectacular surroundings. Tourism and recreation have become a major contributor to the economy and employment within Eryri National Park. Both are vital aspects of the future for the Park’s economy and wellbeing.

Tourist Expenditure (indexed prices)

According to the 2015 STEAM figures (produced for the National Park Authority), the total tourist expenditure was £475.7 million (indexed prices).

This figure has increased significantly since 2012, although the 2015 figure is below the peak level of £493m seen in 2011. There was a decrease seen in 2012; a trend also seen in other tourism specific datasets within this section. Possible reasons for this sudden dip could include the fact that April and June 2012 were the wettest they had been since records began, with flooding throughout Wales during June. Additionally, July had below average levels of sunshine and above average levels of rainfall.

There was a slight increase (5.5%) in visitor expenditure between 2014 and 2015.

Tourist Expenditure by Category

The chart below gives a breakdown of tourist expenditure in Eryri National Park and shows that the most valuable tourist sector is the shopping sector. This resulted in expenditure of around £105 million in 2015, which was an increase of 4.8% from 2014 figures.

The breakdown of expenditure categories within the National Park, for 2015 is shown below.

Expenditure categories within the National Park 2015

Indirect expenditure Actual total: £121.7 million Increase/decrease from 2014: +5.1%

Shopping Actual total: £105.35 million Increase/decrease from 2014: +4.8%

Food and drink Actual total: £73.7 million Increase/decrease from 2014: +5.8%

VAT Actual total: £59 million Increase/decrease from 2014: +5.6%

Accommodation Actual total: £50.1 million Increase/decrease from 2014: +2.1%

Transport Actual total: £37.1 million Increase/decrease from 2014: +7.9%

Recreation Actual total: £28.7 million Increase/decrease from 2014: +11.9%

Although it was not the highest grossing sector in terms of expenditure, the ‘recreation’ sector saw the highest percentage growth between its respective 2014 and 2015 levels with an increase of 11.9%. Possible reasons for this could be due to the increasing levels of recreational activities available to tourist in and around the Park (for example Bounce Below, Zip World, Tree Top Adventures, Surf Snowdonia, new mountain biking paths etc).

Visitor Numbers

STEAM figures indicate that there were 3.89 million visitors to Eryri National Park in 2015.This number is lower than the 4.27 million visitors to the Park in 2009. This means that there has been a 9.8% reduction in visitor numbers between 2009 and 2015 figures. However, visitor numbers have been increasing since 2013. The infographic below summarises visitor numbers information for the National Park according to the 2015 STEAM data.

Visitor numbers by visitor type

Figures indicate that visitor numbers, who are staying visitors or visitors staying in serviced or non-serviced accommodation, have slightly increased since 2013. The dip seen in 2012 and between 2012 and 2013 could be attributed to many reasons. April and June 2012 were the wettest they had been since records began, with flooding throughout Wales during June. Additionally, July had below average levels of sunshine and above average levels of rainfall.

Since 2009 there had been a reduction in visitor numbers classed as day visitors up until 2013, however since then numbers have steadily increased in this category.

Number of visitor days spent in Eryri National Park

The chart below illustrates that there were approximately 10.25 million tourist days spent in the National Park in 2015. Between 2008 and 2015 it is estimated that around 81.1 million tourist days had been spent in Eryri.

Following the trend seen with visitor numbers, visitor days also decreased after 2011 until 2014. In this instance however visitor days increased between 2009 and 2011, before a substantial decrease between 2011 and 2012. As mentioned previously, this dip could be attributed to many reasons. April and June 2012 were the wettest they had been since records began, with flooding throughout Wales during June. Additionally, July had below average levels of sunshine and above average levels of rainfall.

There was a slight increase (0.4%) in visitor days between 2012 and 2013 before a 5.2% increase between 2014 and 2015.

Visitor days by visitor type

The trends seen in figure (for staying visitors or visitors staying in serviced or non- serviced accommodation) can also be seen for visitor days. However the number of visitor days, in terms of day visitors, decreased by 4% between 2012 and 2013.

Visitor days by visitor type in 2015

Serviced Accommodation Actual total (millions): 0.564 Increase/decrease from 2014: -1.3%

Non-serviced Accommodation Actual total (millions): 7.16 Increase/decrease from 2014: +7.3%

Staying with friends or relatives Actual total (millions): 0.095 Increase/decrease from 2014: 0%

Staying visitor Actual total (millions): 7.82 Increase/decrease from 2014: +6.5%

Day visitor Actual total (millions): 2.43 Increase/decrease from 2014: +1.3%

Employment in Tourism and Recreation

Employment in the National Park today is characterised by a strong reliance on a limited range of activities, in particular the service sector, agriculture and tourism.

The STEAM Surveys carried out annually in North Wales provide a range of information on tourism in the National Park including Employment in Tourism and Visitor Expenditure. The infographic below summarises the employment data, within tourism, for the National Park.

20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wales

Written by Anietra Hamper Updated Mar 14, 2023

Author Anietra Hamper traveled extensively throughout Wales in the fall of 2022 with photographer Ian Henderson exploring the best experiences, from the cities to the coast and countryside.

For such a small country, Wales has broad diversity when it comes to attractions, the outdoors, and history, with some of the most breathtaking coastal views in the United Kingdom. Some of the best places to visit are actually locations that encompass multiple experiences all in one place, like castles, beaches , villages, and notable landmarks including Thomas Telford-designed bridges.

As you plan your itinerary, it makes sense to start in one region, like North Wales near Snowdonia National Park and Anglesey, then work your way to other destinations along the Pembrokeshire Coast , south to Cardiff and the Glamorgan Heritage Coast .

From railways and mining excursions to living a part of preserved history by walking the castle walls surrounding Conwy, or taking in a national rugby game, you will have no problem filling a full itinerary.

Use our list of the top tourist attractions in Wales to narrow down your options.

1. Snowdonia National Park

2. brecon beacons national park, 3. cardiff castle & national museum cardiff, 4. gower peninsula beaches, 5. devil's bridge and the hafod estate, 6. wales by rail, 7. caernarfon castle, 8. principality stadium, 9. conwy & conwy castle, 10. pembrokeshire coast national park, 11. bookstores in hay-on-wye, 12. portmeirion, 13. beddgelert & betws-y-coed, 14. national slate museum & the big pit, 15. pontcysyllte aqueduct and llangollen canal, 16. cardiff arcades, 17. anglesey, 18. tintern abbey, 19. llandudno, 20. bodnant garden, more must-see destinations in and near wales.

Think of Wales, and you'll likely think of Snowdonia (Eryri), the beautiful range of mountains and hills located in the county of Gwynedd.

Consisting of 14 majestic peaks over 3,000 feet high—the most famous being the 3,546-foot Snowdon, the summit of which is accessible by train—Snowdonia can be seen as far away as Porthmadog on the west coast. The region remains one of the most popular vacation destinations in the UK, attracting some four million visitors a year.

When you're here, it's easy to see why the area has featured so heavily in local legends, including those based around King Arthur , who locals will insist was Welsh.

Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri) is also one of the most popular hiking destinations in Britain, boasting more than 1,479 miles of marked trails. Climbing is also popular here, as are mountain biking and horse riding.

However you get here, the views from the summit are incredible and extend from the coast all the way to Bala Lake .

Brecon Beacons National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog) encompasses one of the most beautiful parts of Wales. This hiker's paradise is bordered by two quite different sets of Black Mountains . The first, to the west, is the source of the River Usk , while to the east is the range that's famous for its wild ponies.

Most of the mountains in this 520-square-mile park are higher than 1,000 feet — with many in excess of 2,000 feet—and are named after the red sandstone that causes them to resemble the beacons of light once used to warn of invaders.

Be sure to explore the park's many caves and waterfalls, especially Henrhyd Falls at Coelbren , which is one of the best waterfalls in Wales . Just outside the park, near Abergavenny, you can tour a coal mine at Big Pit National Coal Museum . Other popular activities and things to do in the Brecon Beacons include mountain biking, horse riding, canoeing, sailing, fishing, climbing, and camping.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in South Wales, UK

Perhaps the most photographic of Wales' many castles, Cardiff Castle is a must-visit and one of the top attractions in Cardiff . Boasting still-intact sections constructed more than 1,000 years ago this splendidly preserved castle can take a few hours to explore. Be sure to allow plenty of time to do so in your Cardiff sightseeing itinerary.

Highlights include the State Apartments, notable for its informative displays relating to life in the castle over the ages, as well as the attractive old chapel. Other notable features include the well-preserved Banqueting Hall with its medieval murals and elaborate fireplace. A variety of guided tour options are available, along with an informative audio guide that can be picked up from the visitor center.

If there's still time after your castle adventure, try to squeeze in a visit to the National Museum Cardiff . Undoubtedly topping the list of the best things to do for free in Cardiff, this major attraction houses impressive collections focusing on archeology, zoology, and botany, as well as the arts.

The National Museum of Art is housed in the same building. This excellent art gallery features a number of works by some of the world's most important artists, including Old Masters and Welsh painters.

Address: Castle Street, Cardiff

Read More: Top-Rated Day Trips from Cardiff

You cannot visit Wales without carving out some time to hit the coastal beaches. The Gower Peninsula has some of the best beaches in South Wales and many of the most popular in the country.

Topping your list of places to visit should be Rhossili Bay, which has an expansive coastline for swimming and kitesurfing, with a good mixture of activities and opportunities for scenic walks, especially at sunset. You can find water sports rentals, a car park, restrooms, and a restaurant close to the beach.

Another great beach to visit is Oxwich Bay , which has the added scenery of the Oxwich National Nature Reserve surrounding it. This is a nice family and dog-friendly beach because of the calm water.

Some other Gower Peninsula beaches to consider are Llangennith Beach , popular with surfers; Broughton Bay Beach , an ideal place for beachcombers; and Three Cliffs Bay , which might win the prize for the best scenic views on the south coast.

Located 12 miles from the seaside town of Aberystwyth , Devil's Bridge is actually three bridges spectacularly stacked atop each other. The oldest (and the lowest) dates from the 11th century, and the newest was built in 1901. They span the Rheidol Gorge , where the River Mynach plunges 300 feet into the valley far below.

Be sure to follow the Falls Nature Trail to the bottom. It's a bit of a climb back up—especially those steep, slippery steps of Jacob's Ladder , the segment leading to the oldest bridge—but the views are incredible.

Afterward, visit Hafod Estate , 200 acres of lovingly restored woodlands and 18th-century gardens once considered the finest in Britain. While the manor house is long gone, visitors can enjoy pleasant hikes along well-marked trails past waterfalls, ancient trees, and the estate's old, walled formal gardens. And if you're looking for an idyllic cottage vacation, the wonderful old Hawthorn Cottage allows guests an unforgettable accommodation experience.

Address: Hafod Estate Pont-rhyd-y-groes, Cwmystwyth, Ystrad Meurig

Wales was once famous for its mining operations, in particular, the mining of slate used for the roofing, which is still so common here. While the majority of these mines and quarries have closed, many of the narrow-gauge railways used to shift goods (and later, Victorian-era tourists) around the country have been restored and now provide scenic excursions.

Today, there are several heritage railway lines that reach some of the country's most popular landmarks, including mountains, seaside towns, and castles. Many of the bigger lines, such as the 14-mile-long Ffestiniog Railway running through Snowdonia National Park , offer unique train driving courses and volunteer opportunities to add to the experience.

Built by King Edward I in the 13th century as a seat for the first Prince of Wales, Caernarfon Castle (Castell Caernarfon) is one of the largest such fortifications in the country. With its 13 towers and two gates, this massive castle is recognized as one of the most impressive—and the best-preserved—medieval fortresses in Europe.

Occupying the site of an even older Norman castle, Caernarfon Castle dominates the waters of the River Seiont and the Menai Strait on one side, and is protected by a moat on the other. The castle's royal heritage continues to this day, and in 1969 it was the scene of Prince Charles's investiture as Prince of Wales.

Also of interest is the Royal Welsh Fusiliers Museum (admission included), notable for the 14 Victoria Crosses on display.

Address: Castle Ditch, Caernarfon

The pride of Wales rests in the people's enthusiasm for the game of rugby, so if you have a chance to take in a national game at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, it will be the highlight of your trip. Feel the Welsh patriotism as you attend a game with 74,000 rugby fans harmonizing the national anthem while donning their team jerseys and revving for fierce competition.

Joining the fun at Principality Stadium gives you a sense of Welsh culture in a way that other attractions cannot. The game of rugby means more to the Welsh than just a sporting event. It was created in the 19th century as a way for the Welsh to come together as a country and improve life by lifting their status as a nation.

Games are usually played from the fall through the spring, but if you visit outside of the season, you can still book one of several tours of the stadium.

Located on the north coast of Wales, just a short distance from Manchester, the small Welsh town of Conwy offers something for everyone: a stunning castle, medieval architecture, and plenty of great shopping.

The best views of Conwy Castle (Castell Conwy) and River Conwy , with its suspension bridge designed by Thomas Telford, are from the 13th-century town walls built by King Edward I to keep the Welsh at bay. Besides touring the castle, one of the most unique experiences to enjoy here is walking the castle walls that surround the entire city. It is free to do, and you can get on and off in different sections. This vantage point offers the best views of the city and harbor.

The National Trust's Aberconwy House is Conwy's only surviving 14th-century merchant's house and one of the first buildings constructed inside the town walls. Other interesting homes are the Elizabethan Plas Mawr and the Smallest House in Great Britain .

Address: Rose Hill Street, Conwy

Surrounded by water on three sides, Wales has more than its fair share of dramatic coastline. Some of the most imposing is found along the coast of the Pembrokeshire Peninsula, which juts out into the Irish Sea, much of it falling within the boundaries of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Arfordir Penfro).

You can best explore this magnificent scenery on foot along the dramatic Pembrokeshire Coast National Trail, finding villages like the picturesque little resort of Tenby, still partially enclosed by its medieval walls.

Other Pembrokeshire coast highlights are Pembroke Castle , St. David's Cathedral (in the town of the same name), and idyllic fishing harbors such as Laugharne, where Welsh poet Dylan Thomas lived for much of his life. His boathouse home above the bay is now a museum.

As elsewhere in Wales, adventurous travelers can find unique places to stay, including classic old farm cottages, gypsy caravans, or vintage railcars.

Whether you consider yourself a bookworm or not, a visit to the bookstores in Hay-on-Wye will be a memorable experience. Hay-on-Wye is renowned for its literary scene and the annual Hay Festival, which brings in well-known authors from around the world.

This small town, with a castle on the hill and charming winding streets, has more than two dozen bookstores. The area has historical and global literary significance, which you will find evidence of as you walk the quaint streets and see references to its moniker as the Town of Books.

This walkable town is worth a day, or at least an afternoon, of your time. After you find a good read to take home, stroll into the small boutiques or find an outdoor café to enjoy the town's ambience and live music that is often playing on the street corners.

Portmeirion is a beautiful hotel resort and visitor attraction on the coast of Snowdonia National Park in Gwynedd , North Wales . Built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975, Portmeirion was designed to resemble a quaint Italian fishing village. Visitors staying overnight get the whole place to themselves once the gates are closed, when they can explore its beautiful gardens, fountains, church, and the coastal paths of the lower village.

This stunning attraction has been the location for numerous films and TV programs, including the 1960s cult show, The Prisoner , and should definitely be included on your Wales sightseeing itinerary.

The resort's restaurants come highly recommended. A variety of shops are also located here, some selling the famous Portmeirion pottery.

Address: Minffordd, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd

Read More: Top-Rated Weekend Breaks in the UK for Couples

The Welsh are certainly a friendly lot. And nowhere is this truer than in the many picturesque small villages that dot the Welsh countryside. Two of the very prettiest—and friendliest—are located within easy striking distance of Snowdonia National Park: Beddgelert & Betws-y-Coed.

Just a 30-minute drive apart, these two postcard-perfect riverside villages make for a great day trip. They each offer a slice of that traditional Welsh hospitality in their quaint B&Bs, guesthouses, inns, tearooms, and restaurants, and are often heralded as among the most picturesque villages not just in Wales, but all of the UK.

Located at the junction of the Colwan and Glaslyn rivers, Beddgelert is especially favored by hikers using the village as a base from which to tackle Snowdon itself. A number of gentler trails and paths are also easy to access here and are great for those wanting a stroll that takes in spectacular mountain vistas. Failing that, an easy stroll through the village itself is rewarding, or you can jump aboard the heritage Welsh Highland Railway for a scenic train ride to Porthmadog or Caernarfon.

Betws-y-Coed also makes for a great base for a Snowdonia adventure. Set in the Gwydyr Forest, it's particularly pretty in spring and fall when the changing seasons turn the vegetation here into a riot of color (it's also quieter during these less touristy times). In addition to the many fine examples of historic buildings located within the village, be sure to take a stroll to its nearby waterfalls, including Conwy Falls.

Read More: Best Small Towns in Wales

Wales is a nation built in mining and, as such, has done a remarkable job of preserving its mining past. Of the many things to do related to this rich history, none can quite match the experience of visiting one of these mines in person.

Located in Caernarfon, the fascinating National Slate Museum offers an in-depth look at the workings of a 19th-century slate quarry, along with accompanying machinery and workshops, including a huge still-working waterwheel. A great deal of attention is also placed on the conditions for workers and their families, along with live demonstrations of the mining process.

Situated within Breacon Beacons, the Big Pit National Coal Museum offers a glimpse into the nation's other most-mined material and the lives of those who worked here. Highlights of a visit include exploring the well-preserved old buildings and homes on the site.

Blaenavon is also home to an old ironworks that's worth exploring, home to the "Big Pit" blast furnaces and foundries. Also worth a visit, Rhondda Heritage Park actually allows visitors to descend to "pit bottom" in an old miners' elevator. These Black Gold Experience Underground Tours are even led by former coalminers, adding to the authenticity of the experience. There's also a replica village to explore, portraying everyday life for mining families.

It took 10 years to design and build the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct that carries the Llangollen Canal across the wide valley of the River Dee in northeast Wales. Even today, it's considered a significant feat of civil engineering and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

The 18-arch bridge is built of stone and cast iron, its arches soaring 100 feet above the river, and is more than 1,000 feet in length. In 1801, when the aqueduct was built, canals were an important means of transport for manufactured goods and raw materials, and aqueducts were a more efficient means of carrying them across deep valleys than staircases of canal locks.

This one is the longest navigable aqueduct in Great Britain and the highest in the world. A narrow walkway with a railing allows pedestrians to cross the bridge, but it's far more fun to cross it on a canal boat .

It's not for those with a fear of heights, however, as your boat sits high on the shallow canal, and it's a long way down to the river.

For a less vertigo-inducing ride, horse-drawn canal boats take tourists on a tree-shaded stretch of the canal from nearby Llangollen Wharf. A fun alternative is to take a guided kayak tour across the aqueduct.

Location: Llangollen Wharf

Few experiences in Wales match the day of shopping that awaits at the Victorian Arcades in Cardiff. These elegant glass-covered arcades have been an iconic part of the capital city since the 1800s. They were built in the Victorian era to protect shoppers from bad weather conditions.

There are several dozen arcades around Cardiff, each with its own unique flare, with the oldest being the Royal Arcade. Inside, you will find small boutiques, shops with jewelry and housewares, cafés, and mom-and-pop stands selling homemade Welsh cakes from generations-old recipes. A nibble on some of these tasty sugar-dusted treats, while you shop, is highly recommended.

Separated from mainland Wales by the mile-wide Menai Strait—spanned by the Menai Suspension Bridge (1818)—the Isle of Anglesey is home to a number of quaint, small fishing villages sprinkled along its more than 100 miles of attractive coastline. Along with its sandy beaches and landmarks such as South Stack Lighthouse , the island's mild climate makes it popular for day trippers and campers alike.

The smaller Holy Island , linked to Anglesey by bridge, is a popular holiday resort with two promenades (one of them 1.5 miles long). Tiny Salt Island offers great views and a chance for some bird-watching. Finally, one of the world's most famous photo ops is on the railway platforms of the town with the world's longest place name : Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllandysiliogogogoch.

Read More: Best Beaches in Anglesey

One of the most spectacular attractions in Wales is walking among the ruins at Tintern Abbey near Chepstow. This historical and architectural treasure was built in 1131 by Cistercian monks, and while much of it has been destroyed, in part by order of King Henry VIII in the 1500s, there is enough preserved to marvel at its massive structure.

After your time walking the grounds at Tintern Abbey, make your way to nearby Chepstow Castle. The castle sits on the cliffside of the estuary banks of the River Wye and is the oldest fortification in Britain . Walk through the matrix of corridors and passageways that were constructed in 1067 and be sure to see the oldest castle doors in Europe, which are perfectly preserved here for visitors to see up close.

Dubbed the "Queen of the Welsh Resorts," Llandudno is the largest seaside resort town in Wales . Located on the north coast with views across the Irish Sea, this picture-perfect tourist destination lies between the Welsh mainland and the Great Orme, a peninsula inhabited since the Stone Age.

The town's unique promenade is free of the usual seaside shops and cafés, which were wisely placed behind the seafront to ensure Victorian visitors a more peaceful experience. Take a stroll on the bustling Llandudno Pier, which is the longest in Wales, jutting out into the sea at nearly 2,300 feet.

The best views of the town and its surroundings are from the Great Orme , easily accessible by a heritage tramway. Well connected by rail and road, Llandudno is a good base for touring Wales' spectacular North Coast .

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Llandudno

A National Trust property, Bodnant Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in Britain, created over many years by generations of the McLaren family and brought to its present heights by the 2nd Lord Aberconway.

Highlights of the spectacular gardens are the grand formal terraces , spectacular views across the River Conwy to Snowdonia, and the famous Laburnum Arch . This curved walk of about 50 yards is covered with laburnum, whose abundant, long blossoms cover it in cascades of yellow in late May and early June.

Spring is also when the Dell, a deep valley where trees tower above streams, is abloom with rhododendrons. But the wide variety of flowering plants assures that the gardens are filled with color throughout the whole season. Among the trees are 42 UK Champion Trees , judged the best examples of their kind in Britain.

The elegant Georgian Pin Mill was moved here from Gloucestershire. A tearoom is located on-site and comes highly recommended.

Address: Bodnant Road, Tal-y-cafn, Colwyn Bay

The lively Welsh capital city of Cardiff is a good place to begin your trip and a good base for exploring South Wales . Cardiff is not far from the interesting port city of Bristol , just across the border in England. When you're exploring the beautiful mountains and countryside of North Wales , consider popping across the border again to visit the attractions in Chester , a charming walled city on a canal.

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Drinking water quality compliance in Wales 2022, by parameter

Wales had an overall high drinking water quality in 2022, with all the parameters analyzed approaching 100 percent of compliance. Furthermore, the bathing water quality in Wales was also considered good. In 2022, 95 percent of the Welsh bathing sites reported at least good water quality for such purposes.

Share of drinking water samples that met the standards in Wales in 2022, by parameter

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NSW COVID-19 cases, deaths and testing statistics

The latest weekly case numbers, testing figures totals and related COVID-19 statistics in NSW.

Changes to COVID-19 reporting

From 20 October 2023, weekly COVID numbers will no longer be published here. The best measures of COVID-19 in the community are:

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Detailed information is available in the weekly NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report . Find national COVID-19 case numbers and statistics on the Australian Government health website .

Latest respiratory surveillance report summary

Summary of epidemiological week ending 11 may 2024.

COVID-19 activity is increasing, with increases in most measures, including emergency department (ED) presentations, notifications and COVID-19 test positivity. There has been a particularly large increase in the notification rate of COVID-19 cases in those 90 years of age and older.

NSW Health confirms that the 2024 influenza season has commenced. Influenza notifications and ED presentations for influenza-like illness have increased in the last week and it is likely they will rapidly increase over the next 6 to 8 weeks and influenza activity will quickly reach high levels.

Measures of RSV continue to show a high level of activity although there has been some decline in the youngest children.

This winter, it is anticipated that there will be a large number of people infected with COVID-19, influenza and/or RSV, as all three viruses will be circulating at the same time. Everyone can help reduce the spread of respiratory pathogens through simple measures such as, staying home if unwell and wearing a mask if you need to go out, staying up to date with recommended vaccinations and practicing good hygiene, including regular handwashing.

Data sources and methods

NSW Health continually reviews the methods used to monitor respiratory virus activity in New South Wales. This is due to changes in testing, notification patterns and levels of respiratory virus, including COVID-19, in the community. These changes affect the usefulness of notifications for monitoring virus activity and community transmission over time. The Public Health, Rapid, Emergency and Syndromic Surveillance (PHREDSS) data, COVID-19 sewage surveillance program, whole genome sequencing (WGS) data and sentinel laboratory respiratory virus test results are currently of most value for monitoring COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses of importance in the community. Registration of positive COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RAT) in NSW ceased on 30 September 2023 and notifications now only reflect cases referred by a doctor for PCR. NSW Health also monitors COVID-19 outbreaks in residential aged-care facilities ​​ that are published by the Australian Government and COVID-19 antiviral prescriptions dispensed in NSW. 

The data source for this report updates as new information becomes available. Therefore, this report cannot be directly compared to previous versions of the NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report or to previous reporting periods. For additional information on the data sources and methods presented within this report please refer to COVID-19 surveillance report data sources and methodology.

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Spanish island limits number of holiday beds saying 'we are suffering a tourist collapse'

T he number of tourists staying on the Spanish island of Mallorca is being cut after the government decided to restrict the number of beds for tourists. Officials on the island said the number of tourists was putting the coexistence between visitors and residents ‘at risk’.

The crackdown comes as the Balearic Islands increase curbs on street drinking and further restrict party boats in an effort to deter alcohol-fuelled holidays. This week Marga Prohens, the conservative president of the Balearic Islands government said: “The time has come to set limits and ask ourselves where we are going and what we want to be.”

Lluís Apesteguia of the left-wing More for Mallorca coalition added: “Nineteen million tourists in a territory of 1.3 million inhabitants is unacceptable, it is not good for the territory, nor for the residents, nor for the tourists themselves. In Mallorca we are no longer overcrowded, we are suffering a tourist collapse.”

Mallorca has announced a cut of 18,000 tourist beds on the island, 4.2 per cent of its 430,000 beds, the Mallorca Daily Bulletin reported . President of the Council de Mallorca, Llorenç Galmés said at a press conference “It is time to set limits,” because the growth has put the coexistence between tourists and residents “at risk”.

The island’s tourism councillor admitted that this season will be “complicated and difficult”, but he said that this is the first step to “begin to minimise the effects” of overcrowding. “We cannot increase the number of beds any further,” he said.

“What we have not tried to solve in eight years, we are not going to solve immediately,” he said, adding that “to be honest” the situation will be “complicated” and the president made it clear that “there will be more measures”.

A social debate is growing about the island’s tourist “saturation”. In recent weeks concerns have mounted over traffic jams in villages. Until recently, they were limited to the months of July and August.

Movements against mass tourism have called rallies on May 24 in Ibiza and May 25 in Mallorca. Authorities fear protests such as those that brought thousands of citizens onto the streets in the Canary Islands last month including some threatening hunger strikes. Ibiza has announced that it will limit the entry of vehicles to the island to reduce congestion during the high season. The number of vehicles entering Ibiza has quadrupled from 51,000 in 2001 to 206,960 in 2022, with 40 per cent of all arrivals occurring in July and August.

Last week the Balearic Islands government toughened a law passed in 2020 to curb excessive drinking. The restrictions will apply to hotspots including Playa de Palma and Magaluf in Mallorca and Sant Antoni in Ibiza. People caught drinking outside authorised areas will be fined between €500 to €1,500. They will also be barred from buying alcohol in shops between 9.30pm and 8am.

The legislation introduced tougher rules against party boats, which will be banned from going within one nautical mile (1.852 km) of the designated areas. Picking up or dropping off passengers will continue to be banned.

Under the law, which came into force on Saturday, the number of sanctions taken against foreigners will be counted and sent to the embassies of the countries involved.

A commission on “the promotion of civility in tourist zones” will be expanded to include representatives of the countries whose tourists are most associated with problems — the UK and Germany.

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