Over 90 partners, business and community groups came together at the annual ‘Tourism in the Park’ event held at Llangynidr Village Hall. The days theme was, ‘Year of Legends’, Visit Wales 2017 campaign to promote Wales as a holiday destination and, after a key note speech from Beth Wicks at Visit Wales, participants explored the myths and legends of the National Park.
Local businesses took to the floor to share local legends on beheaded saints, sinners and opera singers. Delicious food was provided by Pilgrims at Brecon Cathedral. The conference also saw the introduction of a collection of stories retold in contemporary style by multi award-winning author and journalist, Horatio Claire in collaboration with the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority. The stories are traditional myths and legends of the Bannau Brycheiniog retold for a modern audience. They will be launched in a book of short stories titled ‘Bannau Brycheiniog Myths and Legends’, later in the spring.
Laura Thomas, Executive Director, Bannau Brycheiniog Tourism added;
“The Bannau Brycheiniog are perfectly placed to take advantage of the Legends theme and there are so many entwined with this landscape. Businesses and communities got the chance to learn about their local legends. We were delighted with the attendance and success of the Tourism Conference. Presentations on legendary people, places and products created an atmosphere of excitement about the year ahead.”
Julian Atkins, the National Park Authorities Director of Countryside and Land Management and the Chair of this year’s conference commented:
“The Tourism Awards, organised by Bannau Brycheiniog Tourism at the end of 2016, created a real buzz around the businesses, attractions and food on offer in the Beacons. We were delighted to welcome so many tourism businesses at the conference, and there is an excitement about working together to promote the Bannau Brycheiniog as a destination. Communication is key to its success and the destination is looking forward to welcoming a predicted 5 million visitors in 2017.”
The conference was organised jointly by Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority and Bannau Brycheiniog Tourism on behalf of the Bannau Brycheiniog Sustainable Destination Partnership.
ENDS