The Welsh Government has announced that 2022 will be its ‘Year of Wales in Canada’ and says it is looking forward to raising the profile of Wales across the Atlantic and creating new opportunities for the two countries to work together.

Croeso! Welcome to Wales!

The Year of Wales in Canada follows on from the Year of Wales in Germany in 2021, and will look to strengthen links between the two countries throughout the year. The Welsh Government has a network of 20 offices around the world, which are working to deliver the goals of its international strategy to raise Wales’s international profile, increase exports and inward investment, and showcase Wales as a globally responsible nation.

In a video posted by Welsh Government International on Twitter, First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford said: “This year, we will celebrate the growing connections between Wales and Canada – raising Wales’s profile across the Atlantic and creating new opportunities for us to work together.”

The High Commission for Canada in the UK tweeted in reply: “Delighted that the Welsh Govt. has designated 2022 as the year of 'Wales in Canada'.”

A male voice choir – synonymous with Wales!

In another video posted on Twitter, Ralph Goodale, Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, who visited Wales last year, said: “The Welsh Government has designated 2022 as their Year of Wales in Canada and we welcome that. The Canadian High Commission will be reciprocating with Canada Goes Cymru, our own year of cultural focus in collaboration with Wales Arts International and the Welsh Government. Set to launch this April, Canada Goes Cymru will shine a bright spotlight on what we have in common. Canada is a proud friend of Wales.”

The High Commissioner went on to explain that over 450,000 Canadians claim Welsh heritage and the influence of Welsh immigration to Canada is evident in place names across the country. The Welsh have also left their mark on Canada’s cultural landscape, for example through the traditional Welsh festivals, Gymanfa Ganu and the eisteddfods, which continue across Canada today.

Caernarfon Castle – one of over 600 castles in Wales!

Wales is a small country ‘with a big personality’ in the south west of Great Britain and has a long and fascinating history. Known as the ‘Land of Song’, Wales has an area of just over 8,000 square miles and a population of 3 million. It is famous for its spectacular mountain and coastal scenery, medieval castles, heritage railways, male voice choirs, Rugby Union, delicious locally-grown food, unique culture and distinctive language.

Janet Redler, Chief Executive of Janet Redler Travel and Tourism, added: “Wales has strong ties with Canada and we are pleased to regularly welcome Canadian groups and travellers to Wales. With the lifting of coronavirus restrictions in the UK, we look forward to welcoming many more visitors from Canada soon and to showing them just what a wonderful country Wales is!”

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour of Wales, taking in the best of the country’s heritage and culture, as well as delicious local food and the best Welsh hotels, please do contact our friendly team today.