The global publicity generated by Wrexham AFC’s Hollywood owners is attracting high-spending international visitors to North Wales, according to a tourism chief

The club's success and the popularity of the TV show, Welcome to Wrexham, have drawn a worldwide audience, according to North Wales Tourism's chief executive, Jim Jones.

He described the impact of Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds' ownership as "an absolute gamechanger."

He said: “People from across the world, not just North America, are watching Welcome to Wrexham to they have done a brilliant job in terms of putting us on the map.

“It’s also generated a lot of community pride in Wrexham.”

Mr Jones was speaking ahead of the annual Go North Wales Tourism Awards at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on November 21 which will celebrate the tourism and hospitality industry's heroes.

The submission window for 18 categories is open until October 7.

More details can be found at https://tinyurl.com/2akh78px.

Mr Jones said: "It’s now really important that we seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ensure that the whole of the region makes the most of it.

"The benefits are already rippling out across North Wales because a number of the people coming to Wrexham are starting to explore farther afield and discovering the other delights we have to offer."

He said the investment in adventure tourism, too, has also changed North Wales' image.

He said: "From around 2015 onwards we’ve seen the emergence of brilliant, world-first attractions like Zip World and Rib Ride which has given us the confidence to justifiably brand ourselves as the Adventure Capital of Europe."

The awards will honour the resilience and skill of everyone in the sector.

Mr Jones said: "Although we’ve taken an almighty battering in recent years as a result of the pandemic and other factors, the sector has the potential to lead North Wales on the road to future prosperity."

David Cattrall, managing director of headline sponsors Harlech Foodservice, said: "We are absolutely delighted to once again be the headline sponsor of this wonderful awards ceremony which is a brilliant showcase for the tourism and hospitality sector in North Wales.

“We believe with a passion that Wales in general and North Wales in particular is the finest must-visit destination in the whole of the UK."

Categories include Hotel of the Year, Best Event of the Year, and the Rising Star Award.