AMBASSADORS for Monmouthshire and Newport are taking to social media to share their love of the area, while Monmouthshire County Council seeks views on its new destination management plan.

The social media campaign was launched on May 18 and a spokesperson for ‘Our View Wales’ said: “The ambassadors are volunteers from all walks of life, from a consultant forensic scientist and a police officer to a mountaineering leader, a graphic designer and a custodian of a castle. What they all have in common is their enthusiasm for and knowledge about the place where they live.

“Several have had training on filming, editing and social media, funded through the Welsh Rural Development Programme and now they are going to produce light-hearted, short films about their favourite places, events and activities for facebook.com/OurView

Tourism ambassador, Dave Scaysbrook, said: “We want to help others see the area we all love so much through our eyes. It’s like having a friend or family member living in the area, who has the inside track on great places to go and things to do.”

Meanwhile, Monmouthshire County Council is seeking views on its draft destination management plan.

Monmouthshire’s chief executive Paul Matthews said: “Tourism makes a significant and growing contribution to Monmouthshire’s economy.  The industry was worth £187m to the county in 2015 with 10 per cent real growth in terms of economic impact, 8.7 per cent growth in visitor numbers and 1.5 per cent growth in full time equivalent jobs since 2012.

“Tourism growth isn’t something that happens by chance though. It’s important to have a strategic plan to guide the county’s destination management and marketing to address identified priorities across all parts of Monmouthshire.”

Final consultation is now underway at www.

visitmonmouthshire.com/destination-intelligence and will close at 5pm next Wednesday, May 31.