Attractions badly hit (From Western Telegraph)

Attractions badly hit

11:18am Wednesday 12th September 2012 in Letters

On our evidence, Welsh tourist attractions were very badly hit during the August Olympic Games period. We run Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park where visitors primarily come to view grey seals and bottlenose dolphins in the wild, as well as to feed some friendly farm animals.

We certainly suffered our lowest August visitor numbers in 20 years of trading.

There is no doubt in our minds that millions stayed at home to view the Olympics on television. The poor summer weather was also undoubtedly part of the reason.

Even though it was not always bad in early August, the preceding wet June and July had obviously kept west Wales bookings well down for August. It kept many away from Wales altogether.

On a positive note, the Azores high looks to be coming our way at present, promising far better September weather, so let’s hope that we can enjoy a decent back end to the season.

Anyway, we greatly enjoyed the Olympics ourselves.

Let’s hope that their high profile and feelgood factor contribute to the long term popularity of the UK as a tourism destination.

LYN JENKINS, Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park, Gwbert-on-Sea, Cardigan