Beautiful CONWY
Medieval town named as one of the 30 best in Europe
WITH its imposing castle and historic walls set against the backdrop of stunning Snowdonia it’s no wonder visitors fall in love with Conwy.
But now the medieval town has won the hearts of Japanese officials who have named it the most beautiful destination in the UK – and one of the top 30 pretty places in Europe.
Chosen from a list of almost 160 places The World Heritage site was the only UK destination to make the short list and will now be promoted as a must see stop for Japanese tourists.
Photos of iconic sites, including the castle and the smallest house in Britain, will be displayed at the country’s Tourism Expo in Tokyo this November – which attracted 157,589 visitors last year.
Politicians and local business owners have welcomed the accolade as “huge news for the town” and an excellent way to promote Wales.
Roy Williams, head custodian of the iconic Conwy Castle, said the recognition was “exciting” as it should bring in more Japanese visitors who often stop in the walled city of Chester.
Mr Williams said 180,000 people visited the Edwardian castle last year, with more visitors from eastern Europe and Russia exploring the battlements than before.
He said: “This is going to lead to a new market, I’m not sure we see as many as we should here really.
“It should have a big impact not just to the castle but to the wider area.”
Meanwhile Emma Baravelli – who runs an artisan chocolate shop in the town with her husband Mark – welcomed the news. She said: “Anything that brings people into the town must be good”.
Conwy was put forward by Visit Wales and the Welsh Government Tokyo office in Japan in March – then these bodies alongside Conwy Borough Council presented a bid for the town, which was chosen by the Team Europe Tourism Promotion Council “as it will appeal to Japanese travellers, as beautiful places that they will want to visit”.
Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates, said: “This increased profile for Conwy in Japan is fantastic news for Conwy and for Wales.
“This recognition is an excellent way for us to promote Wales in a relatively untapped market and for us to spread the word on what Wales has to offer.
“We look forward to welcoming many more Japanese visitors in the future.”
Conwy Cllr Graham Rees said the news was big news for Conwy. He said: “Conwy is a true one-off, with its imposing castle and well-preserved ancient walls, the most intact in Europe, enclosing a town of narrow cobbled streets, historic buildings, places of interest and attractions.
“It’s no wonder it’s a mustsee for visitors and we’re delighted to see the town attract international attention and recognition in this way.”