The popularity of
Gavin and Stacey - the BBC television programme set in Barry Island, South Wales - could help to increase tourism to the area under new plans laid out by the Vale of Glamorgan Council (VGC).
Local residents are being asked by the council to help with the development of a new tourism strategy for the region, which aims to identify the main priorities over the next five years.
According to the Draft Tourism Strategy 2010-2015 VGC said it "recognises the marketing potential" of the programme and its impact on Barry Island and also claimed that the economic benefit of television publicity was worth £65,000 per minute of off-peak coverage.
VGC cabinet member for leisure and tourism, Anthony Ernest, said: "The council has a strong commitment to tourism and recognises its very considerable importance to the local economy.
"This document identifies the council's aims for developing tourism further in the Vale of Glamorgan and I invite local business people and residents to read the strategy and give their feedback."
