Rock climbers from around the world will gather to climb in North Wales this coming week (8-15th May) at the BMC International Climbing Meet 2011.

The Meet, based in the heart of the Llanberis Pass, will see around 30 international climbers team up with 30 British rock climbers to climb throughout Snowdonia and the sea cliffs of north Wales.

The event demonstrates the lure of the Welsh crags and mountains as a world class climbing destination and highlights the contribution climbers make to the areas they visit both in jobs and spend.

Recent comments from Tourism Partnership North Wales indicate that adventure tourism is a vital contributor to the economy and is set to bring 1,000 jobs in north Wales over the next five years.

Also, according to draft figures from a joint research group*, in 2009 the value of tourist trips with mountaineering as the main activity was £26 million. (*Provisional figures taken from from draft report on the Value of Walking and Hill Walking to Economy of Wales)

The BMC is committed to “buying local”, and during the week-long Meet, at least £8000 will be spent on local accommodation, caterers, marquee hire, a cleaner, meal at restaurant, DJ, and other service providers. In addition the climbers will be spending money on local amenities.

Elfyn Jones, BMC Access & Conservation Officer for Wales said: “We’re delighted to welcome our international guests to Snowdonia and introduce them to the superb climbing Wales has to offer. This is a fantastic example of how mountaineering tourism contributes to the local economy and this week the climbers are from a little further afield than the average week!”

Local climber Jonathan Bertalot, who is acting as a host climber, said: “I’m looking forward to introducing the crags I know and love to our international guests and sharing climbing experiences. Many of the visitors will not have tried the ‘traditional’ climbing style that we are renowned for.”

The visiting climbers represent 25 different countries including: Japan, Pakistan, USA, Croatia and Israel. BMC International Meets are held annually to promote international friendships and increase communication between nations.

The meets also give guests an insight into British climbing ethics and traditions, as well as provide a platform for international debate and discussion on topical issues within the world of mountaineering. This year’s event is entitled ‘Style & Ethics in World Climbing’.

For more information see www.thebmc.co.uk/internationalmeet

Download press release here.

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