READERS had their say on Wrexham's rising popularity as a tourist destination.

The Leader reported this week on the comments of Wrexham Council Tourism Manager Joe Bickerton.

He explained that Wrexham AFC's continuing success has brought a "renewed sense of belief" in the city itself.

Mr Bickerton said: "We know through different inquiries with travel organisations and those coming through Visit Wales, Wrexham is generally becoming one of the biggest searched locations for UK Staycations in 2024.

"That's something that was far beyond our reach even a few years ago and it's important that we capitalise on this so that our hospitality businesses get the benefit."

READ MORE: Tourism chief hails Wrexham AFC's success story for "renewed sense of belief" in city

Readers took to the Leader's Facebook page to share their views on the story.

Len Sarcevic said: "Wrexham is a great hub with good transport links to explore North Wales, Cheshire, the Wirral and Liverpool. 

"It is cheaper than Chester and while the city centre is a bit grim, this will certainly help a lot."

Seán Mac Giolla Chomhgaill said: "They should open food stalls in Bellevue Park for the summer months - make it a destination.

"There was an orchestra there yesterday, little gold mine for the right people."

Huw Dodd said: "Really? And what are they expecting to see - the empty shops on Lord Street perhaps?"

Nikki Davies said: "Basic things like giving the town centre a good deep clean, fixing pot holes in the roads and filling some of the empty units with decent shops would be a huge start!"

Button Happy Lee posted: "Fill the town with lots of good shops, use all the derelict buildings. Take advantage and sort the town/city out!"

Jim Jones said: "What town/city doesn’t have problems? 

"Wrexham is situated within lovely countryside and the villages around Wrexham including Llangollen have been drawing tourists in for years.

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"The added draw is Wrexham AFC, not the town/city. Plenty of other places to stay around Wrexham that are worth a visit."

Kath Thelwell said: "Need to sort the city centre out. Fill empty shops, bring back a fantastic market and clean the place up first."

Mhairi McLaren Stanley said: "You can go to any city or town and see exactly the same as problems as Wrexham.

"Wrexham has lots going for it.

"Loads to do locally at a reasonable cost then links to Llan, Chester, Liverpool, Manchester are all lovely places to visit for the day.

"There are plenty of hotels and B&B's that suit all budgets.

"Hopefully with increased tourism new and exciting things will come to Wrexham."