A group of hikers has decided not to revisit north Wales following their encounter with what they perceived as an “anti-English” sentiment in a popular tourist village. Despite Wales being renowned for its hospitality, which typically attracts visitors over other destinations, Amy Hurst, 56, from Clitheroe, Lancashire, and her fellow travellers felt unwelcome during their stay in Llanberis, Eryri.
Amy, along with six other women, who are members of the ‘Women that Walk’ group aimed at inspiring women to explore the outdoors, shared their dismay at the attitude they faced. The women, aged between 55 and 70, were shocked by the alleged hostility towards English visitors. Reports from North Wales Live suggest that Llanberis, located at the base of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), draws thousands of English tourists weekly.
Jim Jones, chief executive of North Wales Tourism, responded to the accusations, highlighting the area’s reputation for being “friendly and welcoming”. Amy recounted incidents during their trip, including a man in a pub making derogatory comments towards the group. She also mentioned feeling unwelcome at a restaurant where they were allegedly ignored while others were served.
Amy stated, “It’s hardly Barcelona where they want the tourists out because there are too many. I wouldn’t recommend going there to anybody. It’s such a beautiful place but the people were just off – we basically just got abused.” Amy further described an unsettling encounter at a pub where the lights were turned off when a member of their party went to order drinks on their last day.
Tourism chief Jim Jones expressed his disappointment regarding the reported experience, asserting that North Wales is widely recognised for its friendly atmosphere. The incident involving the ‘Women that Walk’ group highlights a rare instance where tourists felt unwelcome, despite Wales attracting visitors from various backgrounds.
In recent years, concerns about over-tourism have led to tensions across Europe, with protests and anti-tourist sentiments emerging. While Wales has faced issues like demonstrations regarding second homes, instances of tourists feeling targeted are uncommon. The reactions from the ‘Women that Walk’ group shed light on the importance of fostering a welcoming environment for all visitors to ensure a positive tourism experience.