Guidebook attacks tourism failings

A leading guidebook has claimed Mid Wales is "increasingly closed to tourism", following the closure of key Tourist Information Centres (TIC).

The new Lonely Planet guide to Great Britain says that while Mid Wales has more "hidden gems" than most other areas of the country, poor public transport links and Powys County Council's decision to close TICs is a "fatal combination".

The guide says: "While generations of visitors have traditionally viewed Mid Wales as a staging post en route to elsewhere, this region has more hidden gems than any other and is the crucible for the new Welsh movements championing green issues and local, organic food.

"While Powys feels low-key overall, hippy-chic Machynlleth is a hotbed of sustainable living with its Centre for Alternative Technology, while Builth Wells offers a glimpse of rural Welsh culture at its best."

However, the guide criticises the council's decision to close TICs in the region.

It says: "Sadly, the fatal combination of poor public transport connections and the council's decision to close several tourist offices gives the impression that – with the exceptions of Builth Wells and Machynlleth – Powys is increasingly closed to tourism."

But Lee Evans, spokesman for Powys County Council, said the authority recognised the importance of tourist information.

He added: "However, this has to be balanced against the overall financial resources of the council and competing priorities.

"We are committed to providing improved online facilities and investing more resources to maximise the use of online media."