## £5 Million Tourism Fund to Enhance Visitor Experiences Across Wales
A wide-ranging investment programme totalling £5 million has been unveiled by the Welsh Government, promising a host of new tourism infrastructure projects across Wales. The initiative, known as the “brilliant basics” fund, is designed to provide essential upgrades and facilities in some of the nation’s most popular visitor destinations, ranging from upgraded glamping pods in Carmarthenshire to sophisticated digital water quality signs at Barry Island.
The funding package, earmarked for the financial years 2025-26 and 2026-27, aims especially to ease pressure on high-traffic tourist spots, boost environmental sustainability, enhance accessibility, and improve the overall visitor experience. This latest round of support acknowledges both the economic value brought by tourism and the challenges it can create for local communities and natural beauty spots.
Among the flagship initiatives is the installation of real-time digital water quality signs at Barry Island. Long a favourite with both locals and holidaymakers, Barry’s beaches have faced public concern over water safety. The new signage system is expected to provide transparent water quality assessments, contributing positively to both visitor confidence and public health.
Elsewhere, Carmarthenshire is set to benefit from new glamping pod infrastructure within Pembrey Country Park, designed to offer visitors all-weather comfort. Complementing this investment, weatherproof event facilities will be added to the area, broadening the park’s potential as a year-round destination.
Improvements are not limited to accommodation and information: accessibility and inclusivity are core themes throughout the investment. Barry Island will see new changing facilities, beach wheelchairs, and other amenities targeting those with mobility needs. Gwynedd’s Morfa Bychan and Pwllheli beaches will receive enhancements focused on accessibility and visitor comfort, including upgraded toilets and improved changing options.
Swansea and Gower, too, will benefit from the creation of “Motorhome Aires”—dedicated parking and utility facilities specifically for campervans. A similar scheme will be rolled out in Denbighshire, addressing the recent boom in touring holidays and relieving congestion in localities popular with overnight visitors.
Wrexham is embracing its local pride with the installation of a new six-foot “Wrexham/Wrecsam” gateway sign, contributing to the area’s burgeoning reputation as a visitor draw. Additional investments in signage and wayfinding are also scheduled, including at key sites in Flintshire Coast Park and the walking trail to Sgwd Gwladys.
Rural and heritage attractions are featured prominently on the funding list. The historic Betws y Coed will see the establishment of a visitor Discovery Centre, while public toilets and changing facilities at iconic sites such as Trevor Basin—main arrival point for the Pontcysyllte aqueduct and canal World Heritage site—are also lined up for major refurbishment.
Further funding is allocated for substantial upgrades at Carew Tidal Mill and Castell Henllys, alongside the introduction of a high ropes course at the Gower Activity Centre and restoration of scenic viewing platforms in Llandudno, aimed at enhancing the appeal and accessibility of such attractions.
The Minister for Tourism, Rebecca Evans, highlighted the dual priorities of supporting local communities and safeguarding the Welsh environment for future generations, stating: “Tourism is a vital part of the Welsh economy, but we recognise that increased visitor numbers can sometimes put pressure on local infrastructure, particularly in popular destinations. This funding will help address these challenges while supporting our commitment to sustainable, inclusive tourism.”
Other projects include improved visitor infrastructure at Parc Padarn Country Park in Llanberis, upgraded toilets at Cosmeston and Porthkerry Country Parks in the Vale of Glamorgan, new parking and EV charging stations at Cwm Clydach Country Park, and a major revamp of the Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery.
This investment comes at a time when the tourism industry is a key pillar of the Welsh economy. The “brilliant basics” fund is poised not only to enhance visitor experiences but to foster stronger connections between tourism and the communities it sustains. By focusing on accessibility, sustainability, and practical upgrades, Wales continues to position itself as a welcoming, inclusive, and forward-thinking holiday destination.