Outdoor activity tourism accounts for 10 per cent, or £481m, of Wales’ tourism economy, according to new figures from the Welsh government.

The research, undertaken by Visit Wales in partnership with the Wales Activity Tourism Organisation (WATO) highlights that the sector accounts for 10 per cent of the sector – the majority coming from domestic visits – through £220m spent by day trippers, £236m by domestic overnight visitors and £24m from international overnight visitors.

Outdoor activity tourism also supports 8,243 jobs, with the survey including outdoor activity businesses as well as those which take part in Welsh outdoor activities such as climbing, watersports, airsports and rambling.

The survey suggested that 54 per cent of businesses surveyed thought awareness of outdoor activities in Wales has increased over the past three years, with new high profile activities such as Surf Snowdonia and new mountain biking facilities getting high profile media exposure.

“Wales offers a wide range of outdoor activities and adventure opportunities for visitors have an important role to play in attracting visitors to Wales,” said tourism minister, Edwina Hart. "This sector has increased in popularity in recent years due to a demand for experiences and lifestyle-orientated holidays."