The Welsh Assembly is set to invest up to £38m in seven of Wales’ most deprived regions in a bid to boost tourism.

The money, pledged by the Welsh Assembly and European Union, will see coastal resorts such as Rhyl and Colwyn Bay have their sea fronts rejuvenated, and towns like Anglesey, Bangor and Caernarvon benefit from having historic and derelict buildings upgraded.

In a separate incentive, £10m has been pledged to the Heads of the Valleys region which is home to many old mining communities in an effort to expand the tourist mind into exploring further afield than the ever popular Snowdonia and Brecon Beacons area.

Tourism industry spokesperson, John Wake welcomed the scheme saying, “These places need tourism, but they also need help and refurbishment.”

The incentive is also hoped to create 300 jobs as local people are employed as attraction management and guides.