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WRGB a major boost to Swansea economyMOTOR RACING'S biggest event of the year, the Wales Rally GB, is giving a major lift to tourism in Swansea. This year will be the third in a row that Swansea has hosted the rally at the Felindre Rally Centre and it starts on Thursday September 15. The event is helping give local business a late summer lift after the children go back to school. According to WDA figures WRGB attracts more than 200,000 rally fans to South and West Wales for the four-day duration and it's added an estimated £50m to local economies. And in Swansea tourism business – particularly hotels – have been reaping the rewards. Feedback to Swansea Council's marketing team has demonstrated that hotels in the area are almost completely sold out in the countdown to the event. On average there was a 90% occupancy rate at Wales Rally GB last year, eight per cent up on the September average and higher even than the year before when WRGB took place in November. Some hotels were even oversubscribed and had to turn away guests who wanted to book. Gerald Clement, Cabinet Member for Culture and Tourism, said, "Wales Rally GB gives Swansea the chance to show its wares on a world stage. "Tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world come here to stay and watch the rally and that's definitely showing up in the feedback we're getting back from tourism operators. "It's good news for Swansea's economy and good news for tourism." Gareth Sullivan, Cabinet member for economic development, added, "There's an audience of 500 million focussed on Wales over those four days and WRGB has been proven to attract the automotive industry to this part of the world as a result." Marketing manager for Swansea Council Fran Jenkins said, "Our feedback for this year shows that with only a couple of weeks to go to the event, hotels are filling up fast. "But there is still room for those who want to come and make Swansea their base for the event, although they shouldn't leave it to the last minute."
For the latest update on accommodation availability call Swansea's Tourism Information Centre on 01792 468321. Swansea Rally Centre opening times Thursday, September 15 7am to 2.30pm Friday Full Site: 0645-0900; 1200-1430; 1700-2000 Main spectator area only: 0900-1200; 1430-1700 Saturday Full Site: 0830-1100; 1300-1530; 1930-2200 Main spectator area only: 1100-1300; 1530-1930 Sunday 0645-1230
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This page last updated on September 14 2005