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Projects across Wales have won a share of a new round of funding to support small-scale tourism infrastructure improvements. The Welsh Government’s £5m Brilliant Basics Fund is aimed at public, third sector and not-for-profit organisations.

Previous projects funded have included electric vehicle charging points, improved toilet and car parking facilities, accessible changing places facilities and improved signage and interpretation panels. The fund, which is open to local authorities and national park authorities, also supports projects that improve accessibility at sites and those that make their destinations more environmentally sustainable.

The Brilliant Basics Fund for 2023-25 was launched in February this year. A total of 29 tourism infrastructure projects in north, mid, south west and south east Wales have been approved for investment from the capital fund.

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These include Cyngor Gwynedd which received £300,000 for a plan to upgrade visitor infrastructure in Dinas Dinlle near Caernarfon such as car park resurfacing, EV charging, cycle shelters, bus shelter and accessible picnic area.

Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority has been awarded £298,739 to improve visitor facilities at Craig y Nos country park and Cwm Porth Waterfalls car park. This will include new changing facilities at Cwm Porth toilet and access and car park improvements at Cwm Porth Waterfalls car park.

Neath Port Talbot council has received £300,000 for Neath Abbey visitor parking scheme to create between 25 and 40 car parking spaces, a coach drop off point and parking if feasible, and bilingual interpretation / orientation panel.

Newport City Council has also received £300,000 for the installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure at key tourist sites across Newport including a minimum of two EV charging stations at Rodney Parade, Newport Transporter Bridge visitor centre, Tredegar Park, and Newport City Stadium within Newport's International Sports Village.

The Welsh Government said the approved projects show how local authorities and national parks have considered the entire visitor experience and the essential infrastructure that makes a trail experience complete, including pathways, parking, and making facilities accessible for all.

Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Dawn Bowden said: “I’m delighted we have been able to invest £5m in a range of new projects that will help deliver a first-class holiday experience for people across Wales.”

“The projects supported through the Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basics fund make a real difference. Local tourism amenities have a big part to play in making a trip a memorable one. These facilities often go unnoticed, but they are an important part of a visitor’s experience and also benefit those who live in the area.”