‘Overcrowded’ seaside towns unveil new £12m plan to tackle too many tourists

A new £12.5 million plan has been unveiled to tackle a large number of tourists visiting the overcrowded seaside towns in the UK. Wales is home to many charming seaside towns that offer stunning coastal views, sandy beaches, and rich history.

The tourism industry has played a crucial role in shaping the face of Wales. However, the large influx of tourists has also brought jammed roads, parking chaos and anti-social behaviour by visitors. 

To address the menace, the Welsh Government created a £12.5m pot under the “Local tourism infrastructure and visitor facilities support scheme.” 

It will see local authorities or national parks bid for up to £500K each to deal with some of these problems, reports NorthWales Live. 

A report said: “The scheme will focus on destinations and locations where there is a clear strategic need for improved tourism infrastructure investment with a particular focus on areas which experience high visitor footfall.

“While the projects supported by the scheme will not in themselves drive visitors, it will invest in facilities that will improve visitor and local satisfaction, provide better facilities for disabled visitors and enhance the environmental sustainability of key destinations. These elements, if missing or not managed properly, can deter visitors from coming or stop them from returning.”

The report added: “The scheme will focus on destinations and locations where there is a clear strategic need for improved tourism infrastructure investment and is open to local authorities and national park authorities.

“All projects must demonstrate partnership collaboration with wider destination partners and cross-sector consultation.

“Local authorities will need to demonstrate that they have engaged with wider destination partners and with the Destination Management Partnerships / Organisation where they are established. Local authorities can also include projects delivered by third sector partners in their bids.”

1. Tenby (Pembrokeshire)

2. Llandudno (Conwy)

3. Aberystwyth (Ceredigion)

4. St. Davids (Pembrokeshire)

5. Barmouth (Gwynedd)

6. Porthcawl (Bridgend)

7. Saundersfoot (Pembrokeshire)

8. Criccieth (Gwynedd)

9. Aberaeron (Ceredigion)

10. New Quay (Ceredigion)