From eight staff and quarry zip line to billion pound economic impact for Welsh tourism business

A tourism business started in a North Wales quarry just over a decade ago has boosted the Welsh economy by nearly a billion pounds. Zip World was launched by ex-Royal Marine Sean Taylor at Bethesda's Penrhyn Quarry in 2013 with eight staff and the fastest zip line in the world.

It was an instant success with visitors flocking from across the UK and around the world. Since then it has been a remarkable decade of growth for the adventure business.

The business now employs 270 full-time staff between its base camp in Llanrwst and 33 different adventures at seven locations across Wales and England. Its most recent accounts for 2022 show a £27.4m annual turnover.

Now an independent report from North Wales Tourism has revealed a figure of £941 million as Zip World’s 10-year contribution to the Welsh economy. This milestone, following its latest Economic Impact Assessment, highlights a remarkable surge compared to the previous figure of £251 million reported in 2018, with over £690 million added in the last five years.

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By analysing commercial data, survey insights, and research findings, the assessment explores Zip World’s visitor influences, staffing levels and economic contribution to its local communities.

Andrew Hudson, Chief Executive Officer at Zip World, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our contribution to economic regeneration in Wales, and this report underscores the impact we've had and will continue to have. Our ambition has always been to create long-term jobs and to support the wider economy of our local communities.

"Since launching in 2013, Zip World has opened seven sites – including our newest location in Conwy – and North Wales Tourism's analysis will provide invaluable insight to guide our future endeavours in driving more growth and prosperity. There are also ongoing initiatives to expand our UK presence further including in the Lakes and proposals in the South East of England. Investment is key for us, not only in our new sites but by adding value to our existing locations.”

In addition to its adventures, Zip World has recently launched its brand-new luxury Forest Lodges and Camping Pods as well as renovated its Tyn-y-Coed Hotel, further expanding its accommodation offerings in the region.

Zip World's rapid growth has been backed by Welsh Government grants and the company has provisionally secured a further £6.2m for a cable car attraction from the North Wales Growth Deal, funded by UK and Welsh governments. This funding aims to further enable Zip World’s vision as a leading responsible tourism destination, facilitating sustainable transport links and year-round employment opportunities.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, said: “The Economic Impact Assessment from North Wales Tourism shows the benefits of a world-class tourist attraction. Zip World’s growth, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic, has been instrumental in championing tourism in rural Welsh communities and generating more year-round job opportunities.

“Zip World is a North Wales home-grown company who have gone from strength to strength, and it’s great to see the impact they are having.”

Of its 270 full-time staff members, nearly 54% are women and 65% can speak Welsh. Those staffing numbers are more than doubled in the peak months.

Jim Jones, CEO of North Wales Tourism, said: “As Zip World continues to enthuse adventure seekers from near and far to Wales, the positive economic ripple effect of this leading tourist operator has been felt across our communities. Every pound visitors spend in North Wales circulates within the local economy, meaning the impact is even higher among other local businesses. By attracting tourists to the region, Zip World has injected over £414 million in local reinvestment across the last five years alone.

“Zip World has been the catalyst to the branding of North Wales as the Adventure Capital of Europe, and the company remains steadfast in its mission to not only thrill visitors but also to enrich and empower our Welsh communities.”

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