AMBITIOUS plans have been unveiled to attract thrill seekers as part of a campaign to turn North Wales into the adventure capital of the world.

The number of visitors enjoying adventure holidays and short breaks in the county has continued to grow despite the recession and The Tourism Partnership North Wales plans to build on that success.

The proposals were outlined at an annual forum organised by Tourism Partnership for adventure break stakeholders from across North Wales.

The organisation is spending £15,000 on the Adventure North Wales campaign and is anticipating a return of £400,000 on that investment during 2010.

Among the key speakers at the event in Llanrwst was Tourism Partnership Marketing and events executive, Carole Startin.

She said Cumbria marketed itself as Britain's adventure capital and Scotland marketed itself as Europe’s adventure capital and that North Wales should have higher ambitions and work towards being recognised as the adventure capital of the world.

“All sectors of the adventure market now need to work together to draw down more funding and there should ideally only be one vision for all those involved in the outdoor sector.

“We have a globally recognised brand in Snowdonia and we have competed extremely well and seen steady growth across North Wales.

“We have large populations in Merseyside, Manchester and the Midlands right on our doorstep and we should aim to do more to attract even more visitors.”