Sean Fletcher showcases Wales' coastline in new ITV series as British tourists opt for 'staycations'
British tourists opting for a 'staycation' this year can take holiday inspiration from a new ITV network series that marvels in Wales' beautiful coastline.
Wonders of the Coast Path followers presenter Sean Fletcher on an epic journey down the 870 mile coastline of Wales.
It comes as some tourists across the UK are choosing a domestic holiday over flying abroad as the four nations ease out of lockdown.
Tourist chiefs believe the series could be a key way of encouraging visitors to explore some of Wales' most iconic coastal locations - and also some of the less well-known attractions along the way.
Sean Fletcher, who learned the Welsh language after marrying into a Welsh-speaking family, said the series could not come at a better time.
"I filmed it last year, so before lockdown, and I think it's just so timely to be going to a place in Britain because often we forget what we've got on our shores," he said on ITV's Good Morning Britain, which he also presents.
"People are starting to think about maybe not flying, maybe not going abroad. Well, we've got everything on our doorstep.
"Just get in the car, a couple of hours, and you get some amazing coastline in Wales. Have I sold it?"
Sean urged people to choose Wales for their summer vacation and support struggling tourist businesses.
Tourism bosses have repeatedly warned of the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on the industry.
"I was meeting people who are passionate about the Welsh coast and what they do on the coast, and what breaks my heart is now, with lockdown, many of those businesses are struggling.
"I just want to put it out there that we've got so many great things in Britain."
Good Morning Britain presenter Adil Ray said he found the Pembrokeshire coastline as beautiful as Californian beaches after visiting west Wales for the first time last year.
"I hadn't realised it's there, there's some really quiet gems. Everyone talks about some of the busy beaches in Wales, you don't have to go to any of those," he said.
"There was a real community spirit. You came across a pub or a cafe and it was just absolutely stunning."
In a recent survey by money.co.uk, Gower topped the list as the best destination for a socially distanced staycation in the UK.
Sean said: "I remember my wife taking me to Tor Bay on Gower Peninsula for the first time.
"I've been to beaches in Australia, across Africa, Asia, both the Americas and the Caribbean, and I looked around just thought this is the best beach I've ever been to."
"This just unearthed so many brilliant things I hadn't seen."
The series was made and first aired by ITV Cymru Wales earlier in the year. Now it is getting its network outing as Welsh tourist businesses emerge from months of lockdown.
Jonathan Hill, Executive Producer of the series explains: "After such a difficult time during the lockdown, when visitors weren't allowed to enjoy the great Welsh coastline, this series offers a wonderful escape to some of the most spectacular places along The Wales Coast Path.
“What really enriches this series are the fascinating characters Sean meets during his journey from north to south."
Wonders of the Coast Path with Sean Fletcher is on ITV at 8pm on Thursday 23 July.
Sean will be also talking about the Coast Path and taking questions from the public in a webinar co-hosted by Visit Wales, the Wales Coast Path and ITV Cymru Wales at 1pm on Thursday 23 July. It can be watched here.