GWYNEDD is set to see a boom in Japanese tourists after top travel bosses sampled the delights of the region which included a tour of Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog.

The leaders of major tourism firms from the Land of the Rising Sun were recently given a whistle-stop tour of World Heritage sites in the area.

The seven-strong group from the high-powered Japanese Association of Travel Agents (JATA) has now vowed to add North Wales to their European tour itineraries.

They cited the outstanding tourist attractions, excellent local hotels and the hospitality of the North Wales people among the region’s greatest assets.

Tokyo-based Tomoko Ikegame, manager of JTB World Vacation, said: “I can easily see why this region was chosen. It is my first visit to North Wales and after just a few days I am very excited about all it has to offer.

“It’s very beautiful and everyone we have met has been so friendly and welcoming. I certainly want to come back and I’ll have no hesitation recommending tour groups to come here to explore.”

North Wales Tourism managing director Jim Jones, who recently visited Japan to drum up trade, accompanied the group on their trip.

He said: “These are among the most prominent travel representatives in Japan and the message they will take back home is of real significance when it comes to pointing tour groups in our direction in the future.

“Initial comments have been very positive so we are extremely hopeful that they will bear fruit in the 2017 tourist season and beyond.”

The tour saw the group visiting Llechwedd Slate caverns for a deep mine experience - plus a cheese and ale tasting - a tour of Portmeirion Italian village, a trip on the Welsh Highland Railway and a workshop with local hospitality suppliers at the Royal Sportsman Hotel in Porthmadog.

Mr Jones added: “Their enthusiasm about meeting our visitors from Japan has been heartening. At lot of work is going in to promote North Wales to the further reaches of the world and it is important to have everyone on board when events like this occur.

“The support we have had from the local community in welcoming this delegation has been extremely encouraging and can only help further the cause.”