Tourism operators in north Wales are going for gold this Easter as they launch a new promotional campaign and website designed to capture a larger slice of the short breaks market. Funded by Tourism Partnership North Wales, the Short Breaks North Wales initiative aims to become the first choice for anybody considering a holiday in north Wales.
The campaign for Easter 2010 focuses on appealing to those looking to escape the stresses of modern living told through the personal stories of hoteliers and other accommodation providers in the region. The personality of the region and its warm welcome are at the forefront of the campaign.
Life has certainly come full circle for one north Wales hotelier as he celebrates his first Easter opening this year. As a child, Nick Gillham’s parents would leave their Cheshire home and head for Criccieth on the Lleyn Peninsula, for not only Easter, but also their two week summer holiday.
These regular visits must have left a big impression on the young child as he, and his partner Fiona, are now the proud owners of Caerwylan Hotel, which practically sits on the beautiful beach at Criccieth, some 30 minutes south of historic Caernarfon. Following extensive refurbishments over the past two years, the 24-bedroom hotel is ready to welcome guests in search of a stress-free and relaxing value break.
If it’s a beach-front location you’re after, they don’t come much better than this. With spectacular views of Cardigan Bay and the atmospheric ruins of Criccieth castle, it’s a perfect spot for a lazy Easter break.
“Take some time out this Easter bank holiday,” encourages hotel proprietor Nick Gillham. “Come here and relax. The view from the hotel is spectacular and is ever changing as tides move in and out and clouds glide across the sky. Criccieth is unique, harking back to an age when life was much simpler. Simply enjoy the dramatic shoreline of north Wales, relax and pause to recharge those batteries. It’s a breath of fresh air – good Welsh sea air – and there’s nothing better.”
Although memories are filled with happy times as a child holidaying in the town, Nick was relatively late in returning as an adult with the purchase of the hotel in 2007. He now divides his times between the Lake District and Criccieth and as a property investor his mantra has always been that a property must have a really good view. Caerwylan definitely ticks that box!
“Easter is a perfect time to take a short break,” continues Nick, “A long week-end away, in early Spring, is a great way to lift one’s spirits following a long, hard Winter. North Wales is a great destination, as it’s accessible by road, sea and air, with lots of to offer the visitor.
“If you’re the active type, there’s mountain biking, jet-skiing and mountaineering to tempt you. If you’re young, there’s a whole host of awe-inspiring castles, caves and caverns to explore. Or if you simply want to get away from it all, you can just put your feet up and enjoy warm, Welsh hospitality. It’s a small region, but with large contrasts from dramatic mountains to imposing castles, breathtaking beaches and rolling hills.”
Carole Startin on behalf of Tourism Partnership North Wales, added, “Easter is a very important period in the north Wales tourism calendar and a crucial barometer of market trends for the coming year. Short breaks are an increasingly popular choice in the marketplace and whether visitors like mountains, coast, heritage, shopping or just eating out north Wales has it all and a great deal can be achieved in a short period of time.
“At the end of the day, potential visitors will shop around and have come to expect excellent value before making a choice on where to go. Our partner accommodation providers have come up trumps with some fantastic deals this Easter and coupled with the new look website (www.breaksnorthwales.co.uk) we believe the north Wales offer is very attractive proposition indeed.”
The newly refurbished, three-star Caerwylan is offering special dinner bed and breakfast rates for a three night stay over the Easter bank holiday week-end, with prices starting from £169 per person.
For those looking for events in the area over Easter, nearby Harlech Castle will be taken over by the Ardudwy Knights on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th April (11am-4pm). Experience expert weaponry displays, witness the skills of early medieval warriors and marvel at the ancient art of falconry. More information on what’s on in north Wales over Easter can be found on www.eventsnorthwales.co.uk and www.attractionsnorthwales.co.uk.
ENDS