WELCOME TO ANGLESEY
Welcome to Anglesey sign to be erected before Easter visitor rush
COUNCIL bosses have promised to take action after a campaign has been launched to errect a sign welcoming visitors to Anglesey, citing the importance of ‘making a good first impression’.
The island’s tourist sector sustains around 4,000 jobs, bringing in over £280m a year to the local economy.
Just this week, the county council launched a Destination Management Plan (DMP) represents “its continued commitment to tourism”, despite facing significant budget cuts.
But following concerns that a lack of a welcome sign was not a good first impression for visitors, the local authority has now promised to install one by next Easter.
Efforts have recently been made to raise the two stone lions on the Britannia Bridge, citing a positive effect on tourism. But according to Cllr Carwyn Jones, the fact that there isn’t a welcome sign on the Britannia Bridge - which carries the bulk of traffic to and from Anglesey, needs addressing.
“A campaign was launched recently to raise the Britannia Bridge lions on the grounds that it would be good for tourism,” he said.
“But this would surely require a hefty sum of money to accomplish?
“A much cheaper and quicker option to create a good first impression would be to erect a ‘Croeso i Ynys Môn / Welcome to the Isle of Anglesey’ sign to those crossing the Britannia Bridge.”
Cllr Jones added: “I remember a sign being in place a couple of years ago, but I understand it came down with a storm, and was never replaced. But in the day and age of social media and review websites, creating a positive first impression has never been more important.
“Its extremely important that we do all that we can to help the tourism industry and erecting a welcome sign is one small but important step. Every day, visitors comment on the island and add to the existing 62,601 Tripadvisor reviews of Anglesey and its attractions, accommodation and restaurants.
“Having something as simple as a welcome sign as you cross the Britannia Bridge is so important in creating a positive first impression as people visit our Island. We don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression.”
In response, Anglesey’s Head of Regulation and Economic Development, Dylan Williams, said: “We recognise the importance of the welcome to Anglesey sign once across the Britannia Bridge, and the frustrations caused by the delays in resurrecting.
“Discussions have been held with North Wales Trunk Road Agency and UK Highways with a view to installing a new welcome sign.
“Funding has also been earmarked in the County Council’s tourism budget and we hope to see a new sign in place by Easter.”