Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates, has announced funding for a Cardiff-based adventure tourism product, which will support a campaign to promote Wales as the home of adventure in 2016.
An investment of £59,000, from the Tourism Investment Support Scheme (TISS), has been made into a new venture to bring an imaginative visitor experience – a trampoline arena – to south Wales.
Air Trampoline Park, which is set to open in June 2015, will house a new all-weather indoor arena-style jumping court concept inside a 22,000 square foot venue in Cardiff.
The space will comprise of 100 interconnected trampoline beds dedicated to open jumping.
The idea for the venture was conceived when one of the founders, Jez James, spent time in the United States and witnessed first-hand the popularity of trampoline arenas which offer sport, leisure and fitness opportunities to all ages in a safe environment.
The Deputy Minister said: “This launch signals a huge ambition to promote Wales as the home of adventure in 2016. The Year of Adventure will see a series of major events and activities of considerable international significance.
“The year will build on world-first attractions, such as the biggest inland surfing centre on the planet at Surf Snowdonia and the fastest zip wire adventure on earth at Zip World, both of which have been supported by Welsh Government.
“Air Trampoline Park is the new addition to this impressive list and we were pleased to support this venture via the TISS fund. It has the potential to bring a unique and distinct experience to south Wales, complementing the existing portfolio of visitor activities that the city already offers and building on the competitiveness of the region and offer an all-weather facility for the area.
“I look forward to experiencing the facility as I undertake many adventures around Wales to promote Wales as the world’s home of adventure.”
In addition to the contribution towards both day trip and overnight visitor income in Wales, the Cardiff site will also create 19 full time equivalent posts for the local economy.
The directors behind Air, Nigel Willetts and Jez James, have already identified a second Air site in Swansea, which is scheduled to open in late 2015 and have their sights set on north Wales for a third venue in early 2016.
Mr Willetts said: “We chose Cardiff for our first site as it’s a vibrant Capital city with a dynamic tourism base and a rich sporting heritage. Trampoline arenas have mass appeal across all age groups and sectors – from kids’ parties to rebound exercise classes, from corporate teambuilding events to university dodgeball leagues – so we’re committed to rolling out the concept across Wales, and will have the Swansea site operational later this year.”
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