By Jonathan Davies
Adrenaline junkie Bear Grylls is to front a campaign to boost tourism in Wales.
Grylls and former Wales rugby international-turned-adventurer Richard Parks have agreed to become Adventure Ambassadors for Wales in 2016 as part of a campaign to make Wales the “capital of adventure tourism”.
Deputy minister for culture, sport and tourism Ken Skates announced a series of 'themed years' in Wales, starting with the 'Year of Adventure' in 2016. The Year of Legends and The Year of the Sea will follow in 2017 and 2018.
Figures from the Welsh Government show that the tourism industry generated nearly £1.7 billion for the Welsh economy from UK residents alone in 2013, with a further £353m from overseas visitors.
Mr Skates also said that the Welsh Government is planning to announced a funding package in the near future aimed at helping businesses to get involved.
Bear Grylls, famed for his hit TV programme Born Survivor: Bear Grylls, said: “I’ve had amazing experiences in Wales with my Survival Academy; the beautiful, rugged and wild terrain of Wales lends itself so well to so many activities and adventures.
“I’m delighted to be an ambassador for next year — Wales is where the adventure starts in 2016.”
