THE Dylan Thomas Experience is being launched in Swansea in an attempt to draw in fans of the poet from across the globe.

Sketty-based entrepreneur Mike Leahy is leading the venture, which plans to offer organised coach trips covering all aspects of Thomas's life, including Cwmdonkin Park, the house where he grew up in Uplands and the pubs he frequented.

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It is expected that the first visitors will arrive in Swansea in March next year, when the experience will be launched.

There will be tours ranging from a two-day whistle-stop visit taking in the major landmarks within Swansea and Laugharne as well as longer excursions, when tourists will board a luxury coach at Heathrow Airport and tour Dylan's London haunts before moving on to Swansea.

Other options currently being explored by the group are Welsh evenings featuring traditional Welsh fare and readings by actors and poets.

Landmarks that will be integrated into the tour include the Kardomah cafe where he regularly met with friends, 5 Cwmdonkin Drive where he lived with his parents and the boathouse in Laugharne.

"We will welcome groups from around the world and can assure them of a well-planned and inspiring trip," said Mr Leahy.

"If you look at cities like Stratford-upon-Avon and how it is Shakespeare country, it makes you realise that Swansea could be offering a lot more for Dylan Thomas fans.

"This will bring sought after tourists to South and West Wales, and Swansea in particular, with opportunities for all businesses who grasp the nettle. It will rekindle the flame and fan it into a roaring beacon across the world so that Dylan Thomas is placed alongside Shakespeare and Swansea as eagerly sought after as Stratford-upon-Avon."

Local artist Jeff Phillips has started work on an exhibition of Dylan Thomas portraits which will form part of the experience.

His daughter Donna is handling the promotion.

"Swansea does not seem to have as much love for Dylan Thomas as people outside of the city," she said.

The experience will be launched at the Ramada Jarvis at Swansea Enterprise Park on Monday, March 1. emma.j.jones@swwmedia.co.uk