Counties link up to boost tourism

An image from the advertising campaign's brochure

The three counties which are known as the "North Wales Borderlands" have joined forces to try to promote tourism in the region.

Flintshire, Wrexham and Denbighshire hope to capitalise on predictions that fewer people will holiday abroad this year because of the economic downturn.

In 2007, tourism brought an estimated �334m to the three counties.

A colour brochure is being distributed and a new website has been launched called www.northwalesborderland.co.uk.

Councillor Mel Higham, Flintshire council's executive member for regeneration and tourism, said: "In 2007 tourism was worth an estimated �334m to the combined local economies of Flintshire, Denbighshire and Wrexham.

"That shows the kind of money we're talking about and visitors play a huge part in bringing wealth into the area."

It is hoped increased tourism will boost local businesses and safeguard jobs across the counties.

A public relations and media campaign will target the north west of England and the west Midlands, where the majority of visitors come from.

The partnership also hopes to develop "niche areas" such as golf tourism, which is expected to grow in popularity because of the Ryder Cup at Newport, south Wales, in 2010.