Betws-y-coed and upper Conwy Valley has been designated a Rural Tourism Growth Area by the Wales Tourist Board.

The aim of the designation is to help establish the area as a major visitor destination, to develop centres of excellence for activity holidays and to meet the ever-increasing expectations of visitors.

Local businesses and public sectors partners will receive £0.5m for capital projects over the next six years.

The money will benefit the communities of Betws-y-Coed, Llanrwst, Trefriw, Dolgarrog, Penmachno, Dolwyddelan, Capel Curig, Capel Garmon, Nebo and Ysbyty Ifan.

Gwawr Cordiner, council co-ordinator for the area, said: "I'm currently getting to know local groups and communities and I'm looking forward to seeing projects come to life.