UK adventure business Zip World wants to bring its unique brand of extraordinary experiences and adventure to Wales for the first time ever with plans yet to be revealed.
The business, which has 11 adventures spread over three Snowdonia sites, will submit an application to develop a location in Rhigos, Rhondda Cynon Taf following a consultation period running until 17 March 2019.
Over the last five years, the Zip World brand has contributed £251 million to the north Wales economy, according to a 2018 report from north Wales Tourism.
Now it hopes that the plans for Rhigos - if approved - will allow Zip World to do for Welsh coal what it’s done for Welsh slate in north Wales.
Sean Taylor, founder and CEO of Zip World, described the project as a “milestone” for the company.
He expressed confidence that the company’s proposals are in line with the council’s vision for the area.
“With our sites in Blaenau Ffestiniog and Bethesda, we have become synonymous with Welsh slate, now we hope to do the same in the home of Welsh coal and revitalise the area through an extraordinary adventure,'' he added.
Zip World’s innovations include Velocity 2 being the fastest zip line in the world and longest in Europe, Titan as the largest zip zone in Europe and having the largest subterranean playground in Bounce Below and Caverns.
A spokesperson for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said: “The decision of Zip World to submit a planning application, for consideration by our planning and development committee, to develop a new adventure experience near Rhigos, is a positive endorsement of the tourism potential of our Northern Valleys.”
