A TOURISM chief says the decision of TV bosses to return to North Wales for the next series of I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here will give the area a massive economic boost.

Jim Jones, chief executive of North Wales Tourism, said the hit show that attracts millions of viewers would once again raise the area’s profile and help attract visitors.

It is also hoped the campmates will be able to venture out of castle grounds and see sites such as the Great Orme, the world's fastest zip line or Adventure Parc Snowdonia to name a few.

Mr Jones said: “In 2020 we all witnessed what a fantastic spectacle it was for Gwrych Castle and North Wales. The producers delivered a great programme in 2020 with huge viewing figures. Hopefully, with restrictions lifted the celebrities might now get a chance to venture out of the castle grounds to see other awe inspiring places in North Wales.

“I am more than delighted for Dr Mark Baker which will continue to help with the renovation works at the castle and of course, it will once again put the community of Abergele back in the spotlight. They did so much to showcase a warm and welcoming Welsh feeling to the cast and crew.

“The fact that the news has been announced just after the slate landscape of North West Wales was granted by UNESCO makes it doubly sweet.

“The last 18 months have been horrible for everybody and tourism and hospitality has been among the worst affected sectors of the economy.

“The industry is an important part of the region’s economic lifeblood, employing 40,000 people and generating more than £3.2 billion a year in normal times.

“Tourism and hospitality can play a big part in helping North Wales get back on its feet, economically speaking.

“Before this happened you wouldn’t have expected to refer to UNESCO and I’m a Celebrity in the same sentence but they have combined beautifully to give North Wales a massive economic boost just when it was needed most.”