A TOTAL of more than 21,000 visitors stayed at the Urdd Gobaith Cymru Llangrannog site in 2017/18 and generated £1.8m in the local Ceredigion economy.

The figures are revealed in a report commissioned to look at the organisation’s economic value, both at national and local level.

In 2017/18, a total of 46,063 visitors stayed in the Urdd’s three centres, with the Llangrannog centre by far the most popular, generating nearly £3m.

And it is predicted that the impact on the local economy will only continue to grow in the future as further investment is made through significant capital projects at the Llangrannog centre, as well as a central project to develop new digital systems and infrastructure for the organisation.

The Urdd is planning a capital investment of approximately £4m at Llangrannog over a four-year period. It anticipates that approximately 85 per cent of this expenditure (£3.4m) will happen in Wales, with most of it happening between 2018-19 and 2020-21.

Siân Lewis, Urdd chief executive said: “The Urdd’s aim is to provide experiences and activities through the medium of Welsh for children and young people in Wales but this report demonstrates that we go way above our aims.

“I fully believe in our ability to generate jobs and wealth for the economy of Wales. In Llangrannog and Bala we have become an important part of the local economy and our ambition is to have a positive impact for future generations.”

Elin Jones, the Assembly Member for Ceredigion said: “I'm very aware of the role the Urdd plays and its positive impact in my own constituency in Ceredigion.

“Llangrannog Centre is one of the county's largest employers and the centre has such a positive impact on the region in terms of the numbers employed, as one of the main attractions in Ceredigion and the use of local contractors and suppliers.”

Eluned Morgan AM, Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning added: “I’m sure many of us hold fond memories of summer camps, at Glan-llyn and Llangrannog and of competing at or visiting the Urdd Eisteddfod. It is very pleasing to learn that the Urdd is also making a significant economic contribution to Wales.

“I am particularly pleased that Llangrannog and Glan-llyn are boosting the economy and providing jobs in rural, predominantly Welsh speaking areas which will help local people to stay in these areas which will allow the language to continue to thrive.

“I am also delighted that the Welsh Government’s support for Llangrannog and Glan-llyn through the 21st Century Schools and Education Programme will provide a further boost for their local economies.”

The Urdd employed 36 apprentices in 2017-18 and the organisation has set a target of 100 apprenticeships by 2022. The goal is to establish the organisation as the main Welsh-medium apprenticeship provider in Wales.

Urdd Gobaith Cymru was established in 1922 to give children and young people the opportunity to learn and socialise through the medium of Welsh. The organisation has 54,943 members between the ages of eight and 25. The Urdd had a turnover of £10.2 million in 2017/18, employing 305 staff in locations across Wales.