A NORTH Wales business has pumped more than £120m into the local economy in the last three years.
Zip World says it has also created over 200 jobs in the region since setting up in 2013.
The Welsh Government has recently approved funding for a new project which will further boost Wales’ credentials as an outdoor adventure destination.
The latest addition to the Zip World family in Betws y Coed will be the recipient of the funding, which will be ready for the 2017 season.
The Zip World Fforest Coaster will be the first of its kind in the UK.
It is designed to run on rails that skirt through trees on elevated tracks.
This type of toboggan run has proved an outstanding success in ski areas across Europe, Asia and America, with its all-weather capability.
The one-kilometre long Alpine Coaster will open early 2017 and received £320,000 through the Tourism Investment Support Scheme.
Sean Taylor, commercial director, said: “The Alpine Coaster is a gravity-driven ride with toboggan cars on elevated tracks running through the existing trees at Zip World Fforest.
“The course will be over one kilometre long and will give families and adventure-seekers the ultimate thrill, descending through the trees overlooking the beautiful Conwy valley.
“Adventure tourism is booming in north Wales."
See this week’s north editions for the full story, in shops and online on Thursday