Wales' reputation as a tourist destination could be harmed by infrastructure unable to cope with rising visitor numbers, a tourism expert has warned. Marcus Hansen, a tourism lecturer at Wrexham Glyndŵr University, said packed trains, traffic jams and parking problems could have 'negative consequences' for the industry.
Attractions across Wales have reported record visitor numbers as more people holiday in the UK due to Covid travel restrictions. National park wardens say car parks are full from early morning and campsites fully booked. While businesses welcome the boom after months of closures, some say they cannot cash in due to Covid rules.
Hansen said infrastructure was already struggling before the pandemic and is now clearly unable to cope. In Pembrokeshire, there have been calls for safety improvements on the A40 over fears holiday traffic could lead to more deaths. In north Wales, the A55 narrows from three lanes to two at the border, causing congestion.
National park authorities in Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire report increases in illegal camping, littering and human waste. Snowdonia introduced bookable parking after hundreds parked on yellow lines to hike Snowdon. Senior warden David Jones said the scheme helped but other spots were 'ridiculously busy'.
Hansen warned that without investment, the situation could ruin the experience for tourists and locals alike. 'We can't just sit back and enjoy the tourism pounds that come in every summer,' he said. The Welsh government said it was providing support to deal with demand.
