Tourism Workshop
Participants undertook a mapping and gapping exercise, to create a comprehensive map of the existing tourist infrastructure, and the gaps which need addressing.
The following projects were identified through a voting process among workshop participants to be priorities:
Events
Maesteg Market will be developed to include an outdoor performance space and an events strategy has been proposed for the area. The workshop saw interest in efforts which coordinate town centre businesses - especially food and drink establishments - to stay open late
Tourism infrastructure at the old Coegnant Colliery Site
Following a local demand, we saw the Llynfi Valley BMX Track developed in 2011 on part of the 14 Hectare former Coegnant Colliery north of Maesteg. At Friday’s session representatives from Nantyffyllon Rugby Club made the case for new pitches by pointing out how much money leaves the local economy when their teams have to travel 15 miles for training. We also know that there is a demand for caravan sites in the area as well as camping. Cllr Ken Hunt has agreed to chair a group to investigate further.
An interest group aims to meet in November 2011. If you are interested in getting involved then please get in touch with Aled Singleton at Bridgend County Borough Council for further information: aled.singleton@bridgend.gov.uk or 01656 815205.
General tourism infrastructure
The infrastructure that supports the bed & breakfasts and other attractions in the area include signage, cycle routes, environmental features and networking opportunities for businesses and organisations. The session helped us to see the potential of tourism spend in the Bridgend County Borough. Jane Howells’ wise words from her experience in Pembrokeshire demonstrated that a combination of small initiatives can add up to something quite significant over time.
If you would like to find out how tourism projects can connect with environment then launch of the sculpture bench and artworks trail on the Llynfi Cycle Route maybe be of interest. The launch starts after 14.00 on Thursday 10th November at Maesteg Comprehensive School. Get in touch with Sustrans Cymru on 029 2065 0602 for more.
Presentations for download:
Assessment of the economic value of tourist industry expansion
Published in mid-November, the full Phase 2 report will include a detailed tourist infrastructure map, synthesising efforts from the two groups.
