To survive and thrive in a fiercely competitive global market, Wales' holidays need to be easy to access, easy to understand and easy to book

Wales Tourist Board Chief Executive Jonathan Jones

However, Monday's launch marks the first stage of the initiative, giving the Welsh tourism industry an insight into the website and how it will benefit them.

Economic Development Minister Andrew Davies said:"This is a major assembly government investment over the next three years to put Wales amongst the global leaders in online tourism."

Twenty full-time jobs are being created in a support centre in Bangor in north Wales as part of the development to attract online bookings.

Industry experts predict that in the UK alone, online travel bookings will increase from �592m to �3.7bn by 2005.

One-stop portal

The website will provide potential visitors with the widest range of information about where to go, what to see and what to do on a holiday in Wales.

Many tourism operators around Wales already have their own websites to attract bookings - but this new website will provide a one-stop portal.

"To survive and thrive in a fiercely competitive global market, Wales's holidays need to be easy to access, easy to understand and easy to book," said Wales Tourist Board Chief Executive Jonathan Jones.

Wales Tourist Board member Ieuan Evans prepares for the launch

"Visit Wales Centre, the websites and the business support system will connect Wales to the world."

However, he warned the venture depended on those working in tourism getting involved to make the website's content comprehensive and worthwhile for the holidaymaker to visit it.

The venture has been given strong support by the assembly government, mindful of the impact on tourism in Wales of both of last year's disasters - foot-and-mouth and the US terror attacks last September.

The Wales Tourist Board estimated the losses suffered from the farming disease at �280m alone.

Earlier this month First Minister Rhodri Morgan went on a mission to New York to woo tourism interest, announcing at the same time a network of offices to promote Wales around the world.