SOUTH West Wales does not make the most of its celebrities, a leading tourist operator has said.
Geoff Haden, who owns Dylan Thomas's birthplace at 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, said Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot and Carmarthen should all do more to draw holidaymakers by having special attractions and tours dedicated to the region's famous sons and daughters.
His comments came after new figures showed more people were coming to the principality for weekend breaks compared with last year — and they were also spending more money during their stay.
Mr Haden welcomed the latest statistics, but said Assembly marketing chiefs, local authorities and businesses could do more by extolling the virtues of stars such as Catherine Zeta Jones, Sir Harry Secombe and Rob Brydon.
He said: "Cultural tourism plays an already big role in Swansea — we are very well aware of that operating 5 Cwmdonkin Drive.
"But there is scope for more locations across Swansea — and South West Wales — for other attractions which could draw people in.
"In Cornwall you can go on guided tours of the places where films and TV shows have been shot. "In Swansea plenty of episodes of Doctor Who have been filmed here as well as a number of dramas and even films.
"We should take a leaf out of Cornwall's book as well as having attractions celebrating people such as Sir Harry Secombe."
Mr Haden, who also runs Clyne Farm Centre, said that as well as major international stars, such as Catherine Zeta Jones and award-winning actor Michael Sheen, it was also worth exploring "niche" markets related to celebs popular in other countries.
Evening Post celebrity correspondent Ed Gleave said the region was a hot-bed for famous people. He said: "The quality of the celebs is really good — there is a vast range of people who are famous nationally and internationally.
"South West Wales should do more to show off its famous sons and daughters."
Earlier this week, figures from UK Tourism Survey showed visitors to Wales spent �1.237 billion between January and September last year — a rise of 3 per cent on the previous 12 months.
ben.wright@swwmedia.co.uk
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