Gower among UK's friendliest destinations

The beauty spot has added to its long list of media awards and recognition with inclusion in the 2009 top 10 friendliest holiday destinations in the UK.

It's the only destination in Wales to have made the list. Bournemouth, Brighton and Eastbourne are among the other destinations to have made the top ten.

A survey conducted by Virgin Money Travel Insurance rated 66 UK Holiday destinations on a number of different criteria including weather, hotel prices, restaurants, beaches and attractions.

The award is recognition for the overall visitor experience on Gower and not just the beaches and picnic spots for which the area regularly wins awards.

Steve Hopkins, Swansea Council Tourism Manager, said: "At a time when the UK is turning its back on overseas package holidays, the 'staycation' summer of 2009 never really turned into the so-called barbecue summer as promised.

"This is why marketing the destination was even more important this year and the marketing activity coordinated by the tourism team suggests this has had considerable impact because many of its marketing partners including hotels and campsites had limited availability during the main season."

Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: "This is a fitting accolade for what I think is one of the finest holiday destinations in Wales.

"Gower's popularity continues to grow and this award is a reflection of the hard work and effort of all our partners in tourism who contribute towards making it such a great place to go on holiday.

"I can see why Gower ranked so highly. A lot of the attractions, restaurants and accommodation providers continue to invest in their product to meet the rising expectations of visitors thesedays."