2025 will mark the Year of Croeso (welcome) in Wales as we celebrate and encourage visitors from across the world to explore the things that make us uniquely Welsh and find their moment of hwyl (joy and fun) - things that can only be experienced in Wales – from culture and language to our huge range of iconic attractions, accommodation, events and activities.
Wrexham is currently enjoying its increased profile as series 3 of Welcome to Wrexham launched in spring 2024. It follows the third season with Hollywood actors and club chairmen Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Follow their story on Disney+ and Hulu and meet some of the characters and discover more about this area of Wales. Wrexham is where the Football Association of Wales was founded in 1876 and a Football Museum for Wales and Wrexham Museum are due to open in 2026.
Caerphilly Castle is undergoing a £10million renovation scheme that includes a new visitor centre, catering, toilets, digital interpretation of the site and a 13th century makeover of the Great Hall. It’s due to be completed by summer 2026.
Cadw’s Tour Operator Scheme
The Royal Mint, based in Llantrisant South Wales has been awarded ‘Best Guided Tour’ for the second time at the prestigious Group Leisure and Travel Awards. It was shortlisted for ‘Best Guided Tour’, alongside the likes of Windsor Castle, Manchester City Stadium Tour and Emmerdale The Village Tour. They are also delighted to receive Coach Friendly Status by the Confederation of Passenger Transport. To celebrate they are providing a free meal to all coach drivers on group visits.
A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda heritage Park Museum has also received the Confederation of Passenger Transport’s Coach Friendly status. Their brand-new interactive exhibition brings the old coal mine to life as visitors can see its story unfold on screen. The range of topics span from 1809 until the closure of Tower Colliery in 2008 (the last deep mine in South Wales). It is the most comprehensive and fascinating interactive exhibition on mining life and history in South Wales. Visitors can scroll through the screens and all the content is available in English, Welsh, French, German and Chinese. It complements their bespoke packages including the unique Black Gold Experience (underground guided tour by ex-miners), male voice choir performances and various catering options.
The Royal Mint Experience and A Welsh Coal Mining Experience along with Hensol Castle Distillery form part of the Coin Coal and Cheers Package.
Newport Transporter Bridge will open late 2025 as an innovative attraction experience with a new visitor centre, café and toilets, shop and exhibition space. It is one of the most complete surviving transporter bridges, and only one of 6 remaining in the world.
Halen Môn Anglesey Sea Salt has been listed in the top 10% of things to do amongst reviews written by worldwide visitors on TripAdvisor. Behind the scenes tours are available for up to 48 clients with special rates of groups of 10+. They have also introduced seaweed bathing in recycled, insulated barrels to their visitors. There’s also a gift shop and café
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways have launched guided tours of their 200 year-old Boston Lodge Engineering Works. It is the oldest continually operating railway engineering works in the world. The guided tour is led by a railway volunteer, and it highlights the people involved through the years and the locomotives and carriages that were built there. Also highlighted is the railways’ role in the community and how they have shaped railway developments around the world. The tour begins at Porthmadog’s Harbour Station and includes a short train journey across the Cob embankment to the works.
The Railways have also just launched an app, it provides useful information about the route highlighting points of interest. The free ‘FfWHR Explore’ app can be easily downloaded on arrival as every railway station has free wi-fi access and QR codes are available at check-in.
Vale of Rheidol Railway recently celebrated the official opening of its new museum and events space located in the old engine shed building at Aberystwyth station. The museum is open daily until the start of November and entry is free for those travelling on the train. Special rates are offered for groups of 20+ with special reserved carriages and single or return journeys are possible. Talks and guided walks are available at a small additional charge
St Fagans National History Museum has opened The Vulcan. Originally located in the Newtown area of Cardiff, it has been rebuilt brick by brick and displayed as it was in 1915. Visitors can pre-book a table in the pub and pre-order a beer flight containing a third pint of three beers, including a Vulcan Pale and Vulcan Ale, developed by Glamorgan Brewing Co. in partnership with Amgueddfa Cymru / Museum Wales, soft drinks from Wales are also available including Heartsease Farm Sparkling Traditional Lemonade.
The National Slate Museum is planning a transformation starting in November 2024. This redevelopment will revitalise the much-loved museum, ensuring that the historic buildings and globally significant collections are preserved for future generations to enjoy the incredible story of slate. To carry out these important renovations and updates safely, the museum will temporarily close from November 2024 until 2026 and will reopen with a refreshed and enhanced museum experience.
Alyn Waters Country Park near Wrexham is keen to attract more coach groups by prior arrangement. Refreshments can be tailored to your budget and can be eaten in or pre boxed to take away and is great to include in an itinerary around Wrexham. It is the largest country park in the Wrexham area; situated in the beautiful Alyn Valley, and is a Green Flag Award accredited site. There are a variety of woodland, grassland and riverside walks throughout the park helping you to explore the whole site.
SCALE, a rooftop adventure has opened at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff offering a thrilling experience with panoramic views across the city and beyond. Your clients can choose to head to the viewing platform 60 metres (197 feet) above the stadium floor and take in the views or if feeling brave can combine the adrenaline rush of zip lining across the roof canopy and abseiling back down to Base Camp.
National Botanic Garden of Wales is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025 with events, special programmes, tours and activities planned
The Elan Valley visitor centre redevelopment commences in 2025 to include an exhibition and multimedia experience, including a Planetarium to celebrate the importance of the Elan Valley as an international Dark Skies park. New facilities including a new café with panoramic views over the dam – with its spectacular waterfall when in full spill. There will also be a new self-guided Celtic Rainforest walking trail around Cnwch wood.
Loving Welsh Food has launched ‘Castles and Cuisine’ coach tour including Cardiff Castle, Fonmon Castle in the Vale of Glamorgan and lunch at the Welsh House with a local ale or cider, local dishes and an afternoon tea. The tour doesn’t include coach hire but Loving Welsh Food is keen to work with coach operators. Tours can be hosted in English, French, German and Italian and the timings are 10am to 5pm. A shorter version of the Cardiff Tasting Tour is also available and is aimed as an additional to a morning itinerary.
Conwy Guided Tours is a new company offering walking tours around Conwy. Delivered with passion by James, stories and hidden gems are part of the 1-1hr 30min tour of the town.
Pure Wales, a new Welsh tour operator launches with Travel Trade rates offering unique local experiences. An example includes their Taste of Wrexham tour including a Wrexham Lager tasting paired with a small plates menu at the Bank Bar & Bistro, a visit to St Giles's Church, a cocktail at Vault 33 (owned by ex-Wrexham player Neil Roberts), and a tour of the famous Wrexham Lager Brewery, with a cone of Fish & Chips to end the day. Starting in May 2025, Pure Wales will launch Wales in a Week, a guaranteed small group departure from Cardiff (maximum 18 people), running every Sunday for 7 nights from May to September. This tour offers an immersive week-long journey through the best of Wales, ending in Wrexham. Website coming soon - pure.wales.
Neath Port Talbot will be delivering a range of celebratory events in 2025 to mark the Richard Burton Centenary. Alongside this they are investing in re-imagining the Richard Burton Trails and will be launching these in early 2025. This region, known as the Dramatic Heart of Wales, offers a group travel brochure including itineraries, group accommodation, coach parking, group-friendly activities and attractions.
Transport for Wales has launched unlimited off-peak four or one day travel passes. The Explore Wales, Explore North and Mid Wales and Explore South Wales passes offer 4 days of unlimited rail travel over an 8 day period, while the Explore West Wales and Explore Cambrian offer unlimited travel for one-day. Passes also include travel on selected TrawsCymru bus routes in addition to the rail network and are available on the TfW website or app.
Visit Pembrokeshire is collaborating with Transport for Wales and Great Western Railway on a campaign promoting train travel to the region until March 2025. The effort will mainly be digital, supported by Influencer trips and PR. They plan to offer car-free itineraries that include selected accommodation, activities and walking. Additionally, they will promote Pembrokeshire's e-bike trial.
Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire, a family-run local cottage agency, is now the official booking agents and marketing partner of Saundersfoot Harbour as it redevelops its domestic and international marketing and establishes travel trade and local experiences partnerships. Saundersfoot Harbour has been transformed in recent years with the establishment of its new Marine Centre, 4-star accommodation rooms, National Events deck, heritage centres and Ocean Square to create a vibrant atmosphere in the village.
Delta Hotels by Marriott St Pierre Country Club in the heart of the Wye Valley has relaunched following an extensive refurbishment. The historic 14th-century manor, known for its rich history, has undergone a significant transformation, whilst preserving its charm and character. Updates include 148 refurbished rooms ranging from the hotel’s courtyard, Lakeside Village or main building, upgraded dining experiences at its two on-site restaurants and 11 renovated conference and event facilities. The hotel also features a spa and fitness centre and two championship golf courses.
Tŷ Newport, a new 146 bedroomed hotel plus restaurant and bar opened in May 2024. It has set new sustainability standards as the largest all-electric hotel in Wales. Other Tŷ Hotels include Tŷ Magor and Tŷ Milford, part of the Celtic Collection. Other hotels in their portfolio include the Celtic Manor Resort, The Manor House and the Coldra Court Hotel (all in Newport), the Newbridge on Usk, St Brides Spa Hotel and The Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff.
Twr y Felin Hotel joins Welsh Rarebits, part of the Rarebits Collection that offers quality accommodation around Wales. All the hotels are handpicked and quality checked. They must be independently owned giving clients high end comfort and hospitality. This hotel is an award-winning contemporary art hotel and is located in St Davids.
Plas Pantyderi Manor also joins the Rarebits Collection providing luxury self-catering accommodation with an option for a private chef in North Pembrokeshire.
Old College Aberystwyth plans to open in spring 2026 as a mixed-use experience, culture & creative centre and attraction. This includes a 4-star hotel with 31 bedrooms and up to 200 capacity function space. Situated on the promenade this will be a significant addition to Aberystwyth as a destination resort.
The Inn Collection Group update - The Bull’s Head Inn in Anglesey has a refreshed look to one of its historic lounges and 6 new bedrooms which continue the tradition of being named for Charles Dickens characters and will feature wallpaper and furnishings creating the look and feel of a traditional inn. Betws-y-Coed’s The Swallow Falls Inn set to re-open January 2025 after a full and extensive refurbishment opening with a brand-new bar and restaurant, 40 bedrooms and upgraded facilities to the campsite, which will be retained and be the first such offering within The Inn Collection Group’s portfolio. In the shadow of the Great Orme, the refurbishment of the St Kilda will provide 52 bedrooms as well as a fully refurbished bar and kitchen to bring the group’s award-winning hospitality venue to the famous promenade.
Hotel Wrexham (formally Holt Lodge Hotel) has new owners - experienced hoteliers Steven Hesketh and Daniel Gillon. They have announced a 6-month programme of investment that will be around £250,000 at the 37 bedroomed hotel. Following that, the focus will move to the 120+ person function suite.
Hafren Forest Hideaway is offering new adventure minibreaks for groups between 6 and 12. Packages merge outdoor activities, group accommodation, home cooked food using locally sources ingredients and awe-inspiring natural landscapes within the Cambrian Mountains in Mid Wales. Activities include guided walks, watersports archery, axe throwing and chocolate making.
Penmaeunuchaf in Dolgellau which is now part of the Seren Collection has undergone refurbishment of its bedrooms, restaurant, bar and lounge spaces. The owners have retained the historic character of the property whilst building on its sense of place in the Eryri (Snowdonia) mountain landscape. Penmaenuchaf and its sister hotel the Grove of Narberth along with Palé Hall have been awarded a Michelin Key award. Great hotels to include in your luxury itineraries.
The 4-star independent Vale Resort is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a significant investment to update and refurbish the Vale Spa. The renovation is expected to be completed by Spring 2025 and will see all treatment rooms completely refurbished, new relaxation spaces created and the inception of a fire and ice experience.
Parkway Hotel & Spa, a family-owned hotel ideally located for your clients to explore Cardiff, Newport and the Valleys, will be celebrating 40 years since opening in 2025 and have great things planned to celebrate! They will be able to reveal their plans soon. The hotel's recent enhancements include a stunning new conservatory in the Leisure Club & Spa, complete with new furniture that seamlessly blends the indoors with the outdoors. Selected dates are still available for 2025.
The Beaches Hotel, ideally located to explore the north coast of Wales, has unveiled a new spa offering a variety of body and facial treatments using premium marine skincare brand Thalgo. Your clients can enjoy the swimming pool, spa bath, hot room and wellness relaxation room before and after their treatments (78 rooms, 4-star). https://traveltrade.visitwales.com/news/beaches-hotel-and-spa
The historic Castle of Brecon Hotel built within the remains of Brecon Castle will temporarily close this winter for a £3m refurbishment. It is part of the Coaching Inn group and will reopen in April 2025 (40 rooms).
