EIGHT thousand copies of a new publication, which is packed with information about things to see and do while visiting Mid Wales, have been distributed to tourist accommodation providers across the region.

The 2014 ‘Bedroom Browser’ guide to the ‘Days out in Mid Wales’ will be available in hotel rooms, guest houses, bed and breakfast, self-catering and caravan accommodation. It also contains useful information about a huge range of attractions, activities and places to visit in Meirionnydd, Ceredigion and Powys and the Welsh Marches.

Forty-four attractions are supporting the new publication, which complements the ‘Show Me Wales’ websites and app produced by MWT, an independent organisation representing around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Mid and South Wales.

One possible destination for a few days stay could be a luxury hotel and spa that has been in the same family’s hands for more than a century.

The Metropole, in Llandrindod Wells, has just completed the final leg of its £5m refurbishment programme with the upgrading of a further 10 bedrooms and this latest project represents a five-figure investment and follows on from last year’s launch of a state-of-the-art extension to the hotel spa.

Family-run by managing director, Justin Baird-Murray and his sister, finance director, Sarah Hill, they are the fifth generation of the family to run the hotel in 117 years - a unique achievement in Wales.

They launched the extensive refurbishment programme nearly five years ago, resulting in an upgrade to The Metropole’s current four-star status.

“The spa extension widened our appeal, both to our local customer base, and to our overnight leisure visitors,” explains Justin Baird-Murray.

“From a tourism point of view, our 10 refurbished bedrooms add value, as they are spacious, light and airy and all come with large bathrooms. The project has completed our refurbishment of all 110 hotel bedrooms, bringing them in line with the demands of discerning modern visitors.

“Other elements of the project, such as the creation of a contemporary bistro and bar, to add to the fine dining option, have given guests a range of choices when they come to stay.”

In addition to the ‘Bedroom Browser’, MWT has produced a pad of tear off ‘Show Me Wales’ information maps, which can be given to visitors staying in accommodation within the region.

The ‘Bedroom Browser’ has detailed information about everything from adrenalin pumping activities, national trails for walkers and spectacular wildlife and nature attractions to narrow gauge railways, arts and craft centres and heritage and family attractions.

It has been estimated that with 8,000 Bedroom Browsers in individual bedrooms, even with 50 per cent occupancy, it would mean in excess of one million visitors would see them every year.