Visit Wales’ latest campaign “Feel the hwyl. Only in Wales” has given the readers of North Wales Live something to talk about in the comments section. The campaign encourages visitors to embrace the deep-seated joy unique to the Welsh experience.
The new drive forms part of Visit Wales’ 2025 Year of Croeso and aims to distinguish Wales by promoting its language and distinct culture. The concept of ‘hwyl’, which highlights being completely absorbed in the moment, is at the heart of the campaign that was unveiled on Monday.
The campaign was filmed in over a dozen locations across Wales during Summer and Autumn 2024 in collaboration with the creative industries in Wales. The locations range from coastal destinations such as Tenby and Three Cliffs on Gower, to a music festival in Merthyr Mawr, a Wrexham home game and even a hot air balloon trip above magnificent Raglan castle.
Readers on North Wales Live have expressed a mix of views regarding the campaign. HoorahHenry1 made a point about taxing tourists: “Don’t forget to tax the tourists Croeso Cymru.” Anothergrumpy replies: “Westminster already does. But none of that stays local.”
Jnrm adds: “Croeso y Gymru! We will be charging you tourist tax if you want to stay the night, 300% council tax if you want to buy a property, and holiday let owners will have to charge you extra to cover their losses due to the 182 day rule! By the way, please ignore the graffiti stating ‘tourists go home’. Unfortunately that doesn’t apply to day-trippers (75% of visitors). In Spain virtually all tourists stay in hotels or Airbnb accommodation so it is cost-effective to collect a tax. PS. I holiday in Wales!”
Anothergrumpy writes: “Here’s the thing. If they do use it to increase the number of visitors, they increase the revenue they raise from the levy.” ThePickledLiver says: “It’s going to take a fair few £1.25’s to pay for this lot. Funny how the ‘Creative Industries’ always know which pocket of the public pants has the purse in it.”
Vaux08hall believes: “Welsh Assembly is doing everything it can to discourage tourism and then employs people to encourage it. Something wrong with this set up.”
Morpick says: “Perhaps somebody should advise the Senedd that tourism is to be encouraged!” PewPew sums it up with: “Please come to Wales, but don’t forget the tourist tax.”
So do you think that the “Feel the hwyl. Only in Wales” campaign promotes the best of what Wales has to offer? Let us know in the comments below or HERE.