Since Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney purchased Wrexham AFC in 2020, the small Welsh city of Wrexham has seen an implausible increase in tourism. The takeover not only revitalized the city’s club but also placed Wrexham on the global map. Reynolds and McElhenney, together with the town’s enticing soccer history, bring in tourists from all over the globe.
The turning point came with the release of Welcome to Wrexham. It is a fly-on-the-wall documentary series on Disney+ that chronicles the lives of Wrexham AFC players, staff, and local residents. This show skyrocketed the town’s fame, drawing international tourists who are eager to experience what they’ve seen on screen.
One such visitor, Nestor Aguedelo from Colombia, shared how the series motivated him to travel to Wrexham. “We came to Wrexham because of the TV documentary. We got to know the city because of that, and we just wanted to see it for ourselves”. Similar stories are being heard all around the town, now a key destination for curious travelers and soccer fans alike.
Wrexham transformed by tourism and investment
Once known for its market and mining heritage, Wrexham has experienced a remarkable revival in its tourism sector. In 2023 alone, tourism revenue in the city surged to $235 million, marking a 20% increase from the previous year and a 50% rise since 2018. According to Ian Bancroft, CEO of Wrexham County Borough Council, the classic tourist route for international visitors now includes Wrexham as a significant stop. He credits the “Rob and Ryan effect” with driving this transformation. “Wrexham’s growth would be happening, but it might only be one-fiftieth of what it is now.”
This boom has also attracted new business investments, with companies like Kellogg’s setting up operations in Wrexham. They have invested $100 million in what will become Europe’s largest cereal factory. Boutique hotels and short-term rentals through platforms like…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/wrexham-sees-surge-in-tourism-thanks-to-rob-and-ryan-effect/
Author : Martina Alcheva
Publish date : 2024-10-24 19:46:14
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