Cardiff

Cardiff’s reputation as an enriching, quality of life capital is growing. Impressive transformation over recent years has seen Cardiff emerge as a modern and vibrant city, proud of its heritage, yet confident in its future. And the future is certainly bright.

The Cardiff Bay development project pioneered the city’s new era and the momentum is continuing through major projects like the £750m St David’s 2 shopping centre in the city centre and the £1 billion International Sports Village project in Cardiff Bay.

Cardiff's transition is not only physical. Cardiff is now a knowledge economy, spearheaded by three quality universities, supporting a progressive city-region of 1.4 million people; and one of the most highly qualified and skilled workforces in the UK. The city’s recent economic success is particularly remarkable. The city has enjoyed spectacular growth delivering new levels of opportunity and prosperity. Cardiff is now recognised as a competitive UK business location, a smart alternative to London – reflected in research undertaken by the Institute of Urban Affairs in 2005 ranking Cardiff 3rd out of 12 UK core cities for competitiveness. It is also rated one of the highest for future growth potential.

Cardiff has also become the cultural centre for Wales, a creative nation with a rich and diverse heritage. The city now boasts world-class facilities, it plays host to major international events and provides an all round visitor experience that is increasingly envied - the Frommer’s Guide ranks Cardiff as one of the 13 must see global destinations for 2008, and Lonely Planet described the city as the ‘epitome of cool’ in 2007.

The city has become a leading UK visitor destination for short-breaks. The exposure realised through hosting major international events at Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre and the Millennium Stadium has put Cardiff firmly on the tourism map, both within the UK and internationally. St David’s 2 will elevate Cardiff further, establishing the city as a top 5 UK shopping destination, and the new International Sports Village project in Cardiff Bay will provide a new dimension to Cardiff's visitor proposition. Business tourism in the city is also booming. Cardiff has achieved impressive success as a conference venue, punching well above its weight in UK terms and achieving significant success in a European and international context.

Cardiff is a city with much to offer. It boasts the functions of a capital city and an economy in boom, and yet provides an environment and enriching quality of life unavailable to most European capitals and major cities. Cardiff & Co aims to make sure as many people as possible around the world come to know of Cardiff’s special qualities.