Eight out of ten tourists that visit a Welsh museum during their trip to Wales would recommend the museum to a friend or relative as a place to visit according to a new survey published today by the Welsh Government.

The CyMAL Visitor Survey 2013, which was carried out as ‘booster’ survey to the  Wales Visitor Survey that was published at the end of 2013, highlights the continued popularity of Welsh museums.

In addition to the positive recommendations from museum-goers the survey also revealed:

• number of visitors who believe our museums are “friendly and welcoming places” rose from 75% in 2011 to 84% in 2013
• 56% of overseas tourists say they have visited or plan to visit a museum during their trip to Wales (compared to 27% across the UK)
• visiting museums was the third most popular activity for tourists to Wales (23%) - with the most popular being a visit to the beach (42%)

Commenting on these latest figures the Minister for Culture & Sport, John Griffiths, said:

"Increasing the number of visitors to our museums is a Welsh Government commitment and these figures are encouraging – particularly during Wales Tourism Week - as it confirms the good work that’s being carried out in our museums across Wales.

"Providing attractive and welcoming all-weather facilities to tourists are vital to the tourism industry in Wales and our museums – both large and small – play a key role in this offer.

"I am delighted to see that the Welsh Government’s policy of free entry to Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales continues to attract visitors to museums and in turn our rich cultural history."

http://wales.gov.uk/newsroom/cultureandsport/2014/museums-prove-to-be-major-draw/?lang=en