Everton football player, Tim talks up Swansea Bay area

Everton star Tim talks up Swansea

IT'S not only visiting football fans who are praising Swansea Bay - Premier League stars are getting in on the action too

Tim Cahill in Everton v Swans (courtsey of Zimbio.com)

Everton striker Tim Cahill is the latest to have given positive feedback about Swansea when his team visited the Liberty Stadium on the weekend.

The 32-year-old took a photo of Swansea beach from the promenade in the sunshine and urged his 326,000 followers on Twitter to check it out.

And Cahill knows a thing or two about beaches – he's from Sydney in Australia.

His endorsement follows-on from Manchester United and England star Rio Ferdinand praising Swansea as a destination when the Red Devils visited the Liberty Stadium in November.

Steve Hopkins, Swansea Council's Tourism and Marketing Manager, was delighted with the positive comments made by Cahill during Everton's stay in the city.

Steve said: "A lot of the visiting teams have been taking strolls along the promenade to unwind before taking on the Swans at the Liberty Stadium. Tim was saying how impressed he was with the scenery and that's really encouraging because he shared his views with all his followers across the world on Twitter.

"We've been running intensive marketing campaigns in the footballing heartlands of the UK to raise the profile of Swansea Bay as a visitor destination but endorsements from stars like Tim help take that exposure to a new level.

"Feedback suggests many fans to have already come to Swansea for the football action will return in future. This is great news for Swansea Bay's hotels, bed and breakfasts,activity providers and traders because it shows Premier League status is boosting the local economy.

"And we may even see Tim coming back in future without his team. Tim is a very interested in diving, so we sent him the run-down about spots on Gower where he can dive."

Promotional posters of award-winning Rhossili Bay in key outdoor locations across Liverpool will stay up in the city until Swansea take on Kenny Dalglish's team at the Liberty Stadium in mid-May.

The posters were put up in readiness for the Everton match at shopping centres, phone booths and the very busy Kirkdale and Lime Street railway stations.

Each outdoor location has a QR (Quick Response) Code. Anyone who scans over the code with their smartphone is then automatically redirected to our official tourism website.

Have a look at our Fans Corner, packed with information for visiting Premier League supporters.

Wigan football fans will be getting a warm welcome for Swansea's historic first home game

Swansea is looking forward to showing visiting fans everything the area has to offer

View of Mumbles from Oystermouth Castle

Thousands of fans heading for Wigan's first away game of the season can be assured of the warmth of a Welsh welcome in Swansea on Saturday.

Fans making the trip south will be participants in a little bit of history because they'll be witnesses to the first ever Premier League game played at Swansea's Liberty Stadium.

The 20,500 capacity stadium is six years old and the Wigan support are being given the freedom of the newly-named Croeso Stand -  'Croeso' meaning 'Welcome' in the Welsh language.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is no stranger to Swansea, but the thousands of fans who will be following him and the team are being offered a helping hand with ideas on where to park their vehicles ahead of the match, what to do and where else to visit in Swansea.

Chris Holley, the Leader of Swansea Council, said: "There is huge excitement right across the city of Swansea about our first home game in the Premier League.

Three Cliffs Bay, south Gower

"And while there will be rivalry on the pitch, Wigan fans can be assured that everyone here is pulling out all the stops to make sure their visit is as special to them as the day will be to us.

"Swansea, Wales' Waterfront City, boasts some excellenthotels, great shopping and probably the best beaches and most picturesque countryside in Britain. We're inviting Wigan fans to stay on after the game or even return with their families another time."

Tony McGetrick, chair of Tourism Swansea Bay, a local tourism businesses organisation added:

"Local tourism businesses are really looking forward to showing visiting fans the sights of Swansea and our wonderful coastline. Whatever the result on the pitch this weekend, there will always be a warm welcome from us."

The Liberty Stadium is situated to the north of the bustling city centre, which is within easy reach via public transport outside the ground.

Eating out in Swansea

To the west is Gower, Britain's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, boasting secluded sandy beaches, wonderful surfing and greatwalking country.

Fans making their own way south by car should use the specially-organised Park and Ride site just off Junction 46 of the M4. It will be clearly sign-posted. From there it's a short bus ride from the stadium. It costs just £6 for a car and its passengers.

Supporters arriving by train will have the chance to make their way to the stadium door-to-door via public transport from bus stops right next to Swansea railway station.

They'll also be close to the city centre which boasts some great shops, pubs and restaurants for after-the-game entertainment.

Before you travel check out our Fans Corner for all the information you need on how to get to Swansea and what to do when you get here.