Visitors flock to Wales' mix of castles and dramatic scenery

The Wales Tourist Board is looking for someone to front a new series of adverts to attract visitors in the new year.

They say the voice should be "honest, funny and welcoming".

Organisers turned to the people of Wales after efforts to find a celebrity to head the campaign failed.

Catrin Hornung from the tourist board said it had "trawled a few well-known people" for the adverts, but had turned them down.

We are looking for a voice that epitomises Wales, a voice that registers Welsh hwyl, passion, humour and integrity Roger Pride, Wales Tourist Board

"We have listened to quite a few voices already and none of them have quite hit the mark," she said.

"But we are sure when we hear that voice we will know it is the right one.

"What we are looking for is someone who, just by speaking, can epitomise everything that we feel is at the core of the Welsh people.

"We want something that is going to engage with and speak to our potential visitors and put across that welcoming honest humour."

People with a distinctly Welsh voice were asked to apply, especially if they have had "experience of using it to dramatic effect - whether as an amateur actor, singer, teacher or preacher, or simply to amuse friends".

'Natural'

People who are interested should call a freefone number 0800 138 1451.

Callers will be asked to name three things that they like about Wales and why.

"The reason we ask that is we feel that, by getting them talking about Wales, they will talk in a natural way," said Ms Hornung.

"We don't want them to put on a posh voice or an accent."

Roger Pride, tourist board marketing director, said the issue was "not one of accent, nor one of Welsh or English perceptions".

"We are looking for a voice that epitomises Wales, a voice that registers Welsh hwyl, passion, humour and integrity.

"The voice must be out there somewhere."

In 2003, UK and overseas tourists brought in more than �2bn to the Welsh economy.