PLANS to build Europe’s biggest zip-line attraction in Gwynedd have been given the go-ahead.
Gwynedd County Council has accepted an application from Zip World Ltd to build a 1,500m long zip wire in a disused section of Penrhyn quarry, Bethesda.
The zip line, which will be the longest in the Northern Hemisphere, will attract up to 30,000 visitors to the area per year, and will create around 20 new jobs.
Spokesperson for Zip World, Sean Taylor said: “The zip line is going to be the closest thing you can get to flying.
"We’re expecting this to attract international visitors to the area.
“This is going to be a massive attraction for Wales, not just north Wales.”
The project is expected to cost in the region of £500,000, and could be open by July.
Mr Taylor added: “This is going to be the catalyst to Snowdonia becoming a world-class outdoor tourism hub.”
“We want to provide a world-class experience, and an exceptional customer experience.”
MP for Arfon, Hywel Williams said: “This is an exciting development for the tourism industry locally which I hope will draw visitors from all over the world.
It will put existing resources to a new and imaginative use as well as creating up to 20 new jobs.
“I am glad that Gwynedd Council have had the foresight and imagination to back the development.”
Assembly member Alun Ffred Jones said: ”Any outdoor open air attraction like the zip line makes the area more interesting and attractive to visitors, whatever the weather.
“Teaching visitors about the history of the region will also be a good way of promoting the region’s undoubted uniqueness.”
The new attraction comes as the latest boost to an already growing outdoor tourism market in the region.
Esther Roberts, Managing Director of North Wales tourism said: “ The value of the adventure and activity based tourism market in North Wales is in excess of £140 million per annum, and it supports 9,000 jobs across the region.
“The new zip wire sounds like an exciting project, and it has the potential to attract new markets to the region.”