Launching the country’s inaugural Major Events Strategy, Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones and Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones will spell out why they think the country can compete with the best in attracting organisers and spectators.

It is Wales’ first coordinated and systematic approach to delivering and hosting future big ticket events.

Ieuan Wyn Jones will point to the success his country had with the 1999 Rugby World Cup and this summer’s successful BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend at the Faenol Estate in Bangor as well as long standing signature events.

The Deputy First Minister said: “We now have a sound platform on which to build Wales’ position in a fiercely competitive global market.

"We want to see further growth and innovation.

"Our Economic Renewal Programme in the Assembly Government fully and clearly recognises the importance we attach to major events and the key role played by the creative industries more widely.

"Hosting the Ryder Cup has demonstrated that we can challenge historic traditions which may have held us down in the past."

Events which have received support for the coming years include the Ironman competition in Pembrokeshire which will take place in September 2011 and in 2012 and 2013. 

It will provide a huge boost for the local tourism industry and provide a high profile platform for encouraging healthier lifestyles, Welsh officials claim. 



In 2011 both Rugby Union’s Heineken Cup Final and Rugby League’s showpiece "Magic Weekend" are amongst the supported events at the Millennium Stadium. Olympic football, another historic first comes to Wales and to the Stadium in 2012. 

From now until 2016, Cardiff will stage more International cricket than any other city in the UK with the exception of London, which has two Test match stadia, Lord's and the Oval.

There are also ambitions to host the Rugby League World Cup in 2013 and a UEFA Champions League Final.

Cardiff has also been linked with a potential bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

As well as sporting events, the Assembly Government’s Major Events Unit will be supporting a diverse range of cultural events including the Wakestock Festival in Abersoch and the Spirit of Llangollen.

Alun Ffred Jones said: "The strategy will enable us to develop a sustainable portfolio of world class events which will raise the international recognition and reputation of Wales and strongly reflect our culture, traditions and values."

The Ryder Cup tees off at the Celtic Manor Resort near Newport, South Wales, on Friday (October 1).

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