Brilliant Basics: Welsh Government announce £5m fund to boost tourism infrastructure
Brilliant Basics: Welsh Government announce £5m fund to boost tourism infrastructure
Tourism projects across Wales are set to benefit from a multi-million-pound investment aimed at enhancing visitor infrastructure and supporting sustainable growth.
The £5 million Brilliant Basics fund, established by the Welsh Government, focuses on improving essential facilities at key tourism destinations throughout the country.
The latest round of funding, announced on Wednesday, May 14th, during Wales Tourism Week, will cover projects from 2025 to 2027.
Speaking during the event, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Rebecca Evans, highlighted the fund’s importance: “I am delighted to announce this significant investment in tourism infrastructure as Visit Wales’ latest campaign – ‘Year of Croeso’ – continues to share our warm ‘croeso’ and unique ‘hwyl’ with the world.
“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.
“By investing in these basic but essential facilities, we are not only enhancing the visitor experience but also supporting local communities and protecting our natural environment for generations to come.”
The investment will focus on alleviating pressure at tourism ‘hot spots’, promoting environmentally sustainable destinations, enhancing accessibility, and generally improving visitor experiences. Among the planned improvements are new changing facilities at Barry Island, glamping pods in Carmarthenshire, and campervan parking across Denbighshire. Since its inception in 2021, the fund has allocated over £15 million to similar initiatives.
During a recent visit to Ynysangharad War Memorial Park in Pontypridd, Rebecca Evans praised the transformation made possible by previous Brilliant Basics funding. The park received £288,000 to create an accessible event space, significantly enhancing its capacity for community and cultural events.
Cllr Mark Norris, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Prosperity and Development, acknowledged the positive impact of the fund: “It’s fitting the important Brilliant Basics funding was announced following a visit to the new events space in beautiful Ynysangharad War Memorial Park.
“The space was made possible thanks to past Brilliant Basics funding and has been, or will be, used for a range of important community events in the park, including the Big Welsh Bite, VE Day commemorations and, of course, ‘the best Eisteddfod ever’ – which was held in Pontypridd in 2024 and welcomed tens of thousands of people to the park, to Pontypridd’s shops and eateries, and to attractions across our county borough.
“We are pleased to work with the Welsh Government to secure such funding on behalf of Rhondda Cynon Taf and look forward to the opportunities Brilliant Basics will present for Clydach Vale Countryside Park, for which we have secured funding this year.”
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