Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport Dawn Bowden is encouraging people to visit Wales this Easter, as she was the first to officially tour a new multi-million pound visitor attraction in Carmarthenshire.

The new development, which is the new home for the Museum of Land Speed in addition to a new eco holiday resort and events facility, aims to offer high-quality, year-round visitor destination facilities to maximise Pendine’s heritage and its natural assets.

The new development will attract significant day visitors and night stays and be able to host major events, bringing in additional economic benefits to the area to drive forward the resort’s future economic regeneration.

Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden, who has responsibility for tourism within the Welsh Government, said:

“With the Easter holidays fast approaching, we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors repeat and new, and also seeing the people of Wales discover new parts of our country. It’s the perfect time to get out and explore as part of our themed year, Llwybrau. Wales, by Trails.

“It’s a pleasure to be amongst the first to visit this exciting new development in Carmarthenshire, which will help accommodate 41 new jobs.

“The aim of the Tourism Attractor Destination programme is to develop projects that will raise the quality and perception of destinations in Wales, and the iconic stretch of Pendine beach is an excellent backdrop to these new developments which will benefit both residents and visitors to the area.”

Cllr Gareth John, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: “It’s very exciting to receive a tour of the brand new Tourism Attractor, here in Pendine.

“We have worked with the Welsh Government and other key stakeholders to deliver this excellent facility, which will enhance Pendine’s reputation as an all-year-round, day-and-stay destination for visitors, accommodate 41 jobs and generate £3m per annum to the regional economy.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the doors to the Pendine Tourism Attractor officially opened during the Easter holidays and welcoming visitors to this picturesque part of Carmarthenshire.”

Figures from the recent Wales Tourism Business Barometer show that 64 per cent of businesses either had the same or more customers compared to pre-pandemic levels. It also showed that 17 per cent of operators are ‘very confident’ about running their business profitably this year, and a further 50% are ‘fairly confident’. 

The Welsh Government continues to investment in tourism development, the Deputy Minister recently announced that £5m was being made available to National Parks and Local Authorities through the Brilliant Basics Fund. 

The £50m Wales Tourism Investment Fund (WTIF), a combination of grants and loans, managed by the Development Bank of Wales, will continue to help finance capital investment in projects that grow the sector and have a positive impact on the Welsh economy.

The Deputy Minister added:

“I’m fully aware that there continues to be both short and long-term challenges for the sector. However, the Welsh Government remains committed to working with the industry to secure sustainable growth in the years ahead.

“This year, we are inviting people to experience Wales by Trails – and in the lead up to easter Visit Wales’ marketing will continue to keep Wales front of mind, especially with the industry reporting a trend in much later bookings aligned to the economic climate.

“Our focus, as outlined in our tourism strategy is to spread tourism benefits throughout Wales, encouraging increased spend in our economy and tackling seasonality by promoting Wales as a nation you can visit all year round.”

The Pendine Tourism Attractor aims to maximise Pendine’s heritage and its natural assets in order to drive forward the resort’s future economic regeneration, as a ‘day and stay’ event destination. It comprises three individual, yet complimentary projects comprising the following key facilities:

“Caban” accommodation - Opening March 31, Caban is a brand new 14 room, 43 bed accommodation that has been constructed using sustainable building technologies. Overlooking the beach, the Caban facility also includes a restaurant and will cater for the walking holiday and outdoor sports adventure market as well as those seeking a coastal experience.

An Adventure playground, that opens March 31, along with an events area, exhibition esplanade offering platforms to host events; a beach sand sports area; improved car parking facilities and the Dune Gardens providing seating and interpretation trails.

Museum of Land Speed, opening end of May, is an exhibition space displaying motor cars and associated land speed memorabilia. Interactive zones will be located throughout the museum allowing visitors to engage, listen and learn about stories of Pendine and land speed records. 

A 10-berth motorhome facility, which will be developed by Pendine Community Council, is also included in the wider master plan.

As a project, the Pendine Tourism Attractor was born out of extensive community engagement and consultation, whilst the construction of the facility was undertaken by Andrew Scott.

Caban and the Adventure Playground will be opened to the public on Friday, March 31.

The Museum of Land Speed will be opened to the public at the end of May 2023.