Monmouthshire’s status as cycling and food capital of Wales is driven by tourists seeking the area’s ‘natural beauty’, a local councillor said last week.

Following the successful National Eisteddfod, and plans for the Velothon Wales to return next year, Councillor Bob Greenland praised the area’s appeal after visitor numbers for this year were higher than ever.

“I think the thing that brings people to Monmouthshire is its natural beauty, and people come to make the most of it.

“We saw a reasonable increase in footfall this year, and I think the Eisteddfod helped put Monmouthshire on the map,” he said.

The cabinet member for innovation, enterprise and leisure said MCC ‘worked hard’ over the Eisteddfod to ensure its widely-accepted success. ??The national Welsh culture event came to Monmouthshire after a 100-year hiatus, bringing 140,000 to Abergavenny over the seven-day hosting.

Paul Matthews, MCC chief executive, said the county’s past, its people, and the variety of events like the Abergavenny Food Festival pulled visitors from all over the country.

“Monmouthshire as a county has a real history of putting on events. Almost every town and village has a ‘show’ each year,” he said.

“For the most part, the county council is a reasonably small player – we may help with transport, road closures, safety fencing, some flowers, safety advice or a bit of stewarding – but the citizens of Monmouthshire make it all happen.

“We have worked hard at claiming the titles of Monmouthshire being the food and cycling capital of Wales – this isn’t authentic unless we show it off,” said Mr Matthews.

“Events matter. They bring people together and reinforce a sense of being part of a community. They can make money and they can showcase our beautiful county,” he said.