Socio-economic study of the Anglesey Wetlands (June 2007)

Background An investigation of the potential consequences of different ‘visions’ for unique wetland areas. Developments could include new visitor centres, restaurants, dedicated trails and infrastructure. Developments were considered to potentially have a role in extending the visitor season.

Defining the fenland area A mapping of the area onto electoral divisions. The next level of analysis related to the UA (all of Anglesey)

Fenlands Tourism Economy Key questions….. What was the make-up of Anglesey’s tourism economy? What was the scale and scope of the Fenland tourism economy? Would the development of the wetlands diversify the tourism offer? Would the development of the wetlands fit with strategic economic objectives for Anglesey? Would the proposed developments improve the mix of tourists in terms of spending patterns and in lengthening the tourism season?

Estimating the significance of tourism in the Fenland Area. Two different methods could be used… STEAM data for Anglesey – approximate shares in the Fenland Area to derive employment and spending estimates. ABI- small area employment data combined with Wales TSA. They provided very similar estimates – the ABI/TSA results were used, but developed into a range, taking consideration of the STEAM information.

Expected Economic Impacts of Management Plans Scenario 1 – Low activity. Scenario 2 – Medium activity. Scenario 3 – High activity.

Estimating Expected Visitor Numbers and Job Creation Two main sources of information… A review of evidence from other relevant studies. Information on visitor numbers and jobs at other and similar sites. …used to inform the development of assumptions relating to the levels of direct economic activity relating to each scenario.

Scenario 1 3,000 annual visitors No explicit marketing of the site, or increased signage across the area Limited development costs c. £10,000pa 0.5 FTE job connected directly to the site (project manager) No displacement of existing agricultural output and employment

Scenario 2 10,000 annual visitors Small charge for access to main fen through visitor centre (assume £2 average per visitor) Assume visitor centre has some retail & eating facilities such that visitors engage in some on-site spending Limited marketing of the area and improved signage Development costs associated with visitor centre, site development and initial marketing £1.5m 4 FTE jobs including project manager, visitor centre staff, and some employment opportunities in the core Fenland itself Assumed no additional employment created in agricultural sector, and scheme causes no displacement of existing agricultural output or employment

Scenario 3 25,000 annual visitors Small charge of £2 per visitor Assume visitor centre has some retail & eating facilities such that visitors engage in some on-site spending Extensive marketing Development costs associated with visitor/conference centre development, infrastructure improvements, initial marketing £2.5m. 8 FTE jobs Assumed no additional employment created in agricultural sector, and scheme causes no displacement of existing agricultural output or employment Assumed associated developments restaurants, hostels etc. occur independently and not linked explicitly to the high activity scenario.

Total economic impacts Including indirect impacts from: construction spending visitor spending (after accounting for displacement)

Summary – Scenarios 2 and 3 Scenario 2 would… Support 4.5 FTEs per annum once operational (Visitor revenues would support the employment costs of 1 of these FTEs). Support around 30 person years of employment during construction. Scenario 3 would… Support 11 FTEs per annum once operational, (visitor revenues supporting 3 of these FTEs). Support around 50 person years of employment during construction. Also, there was the prospect of attracting first time visitors to Anglesey, and more significant economic impacts. This development could attract the relatively high spending ‘independent explorers’ mentioned as a target group in the Tourism Plan for Anglesey.