Officials in Rhyl, Wales have slammed the local area and claimed that tourists won’t visit the town because there is nothing for them to do following the closure of local tourist attractions.
In the past 12 months, the launch of the Skyflyer attraction has been cancelled, a £15m waterpark known as SC2 has been shut, and the much-loved SeaQuarium aquarium is permanently closed. Alongside this, the re-booted Queens Market reportedly remains empty.
The aquarium remains shut whilst work continues on the Coastal Sea Defence work on Rhyl’s promenade. Furthermore, the waterpark’s closure was triggered by damage caused during the UK’s storm season, putting it out of action for the rest of the year.
Following the series of unfortunate events – including the cancellation of the Rhyl Airshow – officials have complained that this is a major blow to the regeneration of the iconic seaside town.
Following the announcements, East County Councillor Justine Evans said: “I was extremely disappointed to learn that SC2 will not be open this summer and for the remainder of 2024.
“How on earth can we expect people to want to visit our town if there is nothing here for them to do? As I responded to Denbighshire Leisure on the announcement of the closure of SC2, anyone who does visit Rhyl this year is unlikely to come back!”
Speaking to North Wales Live, chief executive of North Wales Tourism Jim Jones commented on the impact of these closures on Rhyl during peak tourist season. He said: “The announcement of the closure of both the SC2 and the aquarium is indeed concerning for Rhyl.
“These closures represent a significant loss for the town, as they are key attractions for locals and tourists alike. The failure of the Skyflyer to materialise adds to the disappointment felt by many in Rhyl.”
Mr Jones added: “This series of setbacks means that the town is now left without some of its most important attractions, which could have a noticeable impact on tourism and the local economy, which along with retail is the mainstay of Rhyl’s economy.
“Losing such crucial attractions at the height of the season like the SC2 and the aquarium not only deprives residents of leisure opportunities but also affects the overall vibrancy and appeal of Rhyl as a tourist destination.”
Shadow Minister for North Wales Darren Millar reflected: “Rhyl was once a bustling tourist town with so much to keep families entertained, but sadly this is no longer the case.
“When SC2 first opened to visitors in 2019, I was hopeful that it would be the start of the town’s return to its glory days, but regrettably this has not been the case and in the past couple of years we have seen nothing but the closure of attractions and failed ventures in the town.
“It seems that nothing is being properly thought through by the current Labour-led County Council and as a result, this once thriving seaside town is losing visitors in droves. Neighbouring Towyn and Prestatyn are thriving, and Rhyl could be too with the right vision and determination to succeed.”