'Relocation' gaffe could hit tourism

LONG-TERM damage could be caused to Gower's tourist industry by an "astounding" gaffe in a new online tourist brochure produced by the Assembly Government, a leading figure has warned.

Geoff Haden (pictured), who runs Clyne Farm Centre on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, is one of many businesses which relies on visitors to surf at Langland or Llangennith.

He has been left angered by Visit Wales's new guide Active Wales which inaccurately placed Llangennith, Langland and Rhossili in Pembrokeshire.

Mr Haden has called for a thorough investigation into how the mistake arose.

"I hate to think of how many have gone searching Pembrokeshire for these famous beaches," he said.

"It really is quite astounding, as it is not as if these are small coves that have slipped through the net but some of the most iconic beaches in Western Europe."

A spokesman for the Assembly has apologised for the error.

But Mr Haden said: "Rhossili boasts the finest sunsets in Britain and is among the most photographed spots in the country, with even Doctor Who making an appearance in his Tardis!

"It is demoralising. We have worked hard with Simon Jayham, of the internationally-renowned GSD surf school, over the past five years to develop a hugely popular surfing package. A basic error like this could do long-term damage at a time when we are beginning to rival Cornwall as one of the leading surf teaching areas in the country."

The embarrassing error was flagged up by a constituent of Alun Cairns, Conservative AM for South Wales West.

He said: "This is not the first time that parts of Swansea and West Wales have been relocated. Some may see it as amusing, but in reality it is a very serious issue."

An Assembly spokesman said: "It has now been amended for the next reprint which is due in October."