Nearly £16 million (US$24.5 million) will be spent on increasing outdoor and adventure activities in Wales, it has been announced.

The money, which has come mostly from European funding and local councils, will create four 'tourism centres' around the country.

The money will mostly be spent on improving biking facilities, as well as the construction of a garden centre and a purpose-built trail centre.

Emyr Williams, of Snowdonia National Park, said the funds would "benefit the local economy and the local communities of Snowdonia".

Denbighshire council's lead member for environment, Sharon Frobisher, added: "This funding will allow us to place the region firmly among the best in the country, as well as boosting the local economy and meet demand from enthusiasts in the cycling world."

Heritage minister Alun Ffred said: "These centres will provide world-class facilities in a wide range of outdoor tourism activities and will showcase what Wales has to offer to visitors as a sustainable tourism destination.

"I hope these centres will attract more visitors to every corner of Wales and this demonstrates how serious the Assembly Government is about supporting this vital sector of the Welsh economy."