New Destination for Rich Chinese Tourists: Wales?

Planned resort to feature signs in Mandarin, staff familiar with Chinese culture
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 30, 2011 10:14 AM CST
Britain Plans Pantglas Resort for Chinese Tourists in Wales
Chinese tourists visit the British Museum in London.   (Getty Images)

With Chinese tourism to the UK booming, a developer is planning a resort village aimed at their specific needs. But it's not exactly a stone's throw from London's attractions: Instead, it's calling itself "just three hours away" in Wales. Pantglas Estate would house a 92-bedroom hotel and 80 cottages, with signage in Mandarin and English and staff knowledgeable about Chinese culture, the Telegraph reports.

Last year saw 110,000 Chinese visitors to London; all told, Chinese tourists spent some $285 million in Britain last year, up 40% from five years before. The estate would be "a luxurious development for a select international clientele looking to enjoy a tranquil Welsh retreat," says the developer. "We’ve spent almost £500,000 to get to this point," says the architect. "The development would regenerate the area and provide much-needed employment." But nothing's set in stone yet: Planners will consider the proposal next year. (More China stories.)

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