• New research to launch Year of Legends in Wales for 2017
• 50% of Brits interested in going on holiday to discover their heritage
• 1 in 6 changing travel plans due to factors such as the weak pound, with 65% more likely to stay in the UK this year

Ever wondered where your family originates from?  In our increasingly busy and connected world, it seems we're looking to the past more and more for clues about our identity.

New research undertaken suggests that 50% of Brits are interested in using their time off this year to trace their roots and visit the places where their ancestors once lived and worked. 

Just 51% of us know which part of the country our family originally comes from, with those living in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales most likely to know where their heritage lies.

What's more, the research indicates that 63% of Brits would go on a holiday specifically to learn about local myths and legends in the area – following in the footsteps of history's heroes and discovering where some of our most famous stories originate.

74% of 30-44 year olds would be interested in this kind of holiday, with 21% saying the main reason is because it would appeal to their friends and family.

The research was commissioned to launch Wales' Year of Legends for 2017, a chance for visitors to Wales to be inspired by epic stories from King Arthur to Merlin and St. David to St. Dwynwen – not forgetting the legend of the red dragon which has come to represent Wales all over the world.

Likely to further boost UK tourist numbers, 65% of those surveyed said they are more likely to stay in this country in 2017 than in previous years, with 1 in 6 changing their holiday plans thanks to factors such as the weaker pound.  The research suggests that, on average, Brits will go on three holidays, mini-breaks or weekends away this year.

Wales' Year of Legends is an opportunity to celebrate the past, present and future by bringing Welsh history to life like never before, with attractions, events and activities at legendary locations across Wales. 

The aim is to create new Welsh legends, immerse visitors in Wales' epic story, and make new legendary experiences, using global events such as the May release of the new King Arthur film and the UEFA Champions League Final in Cardiff in June to put Wales on the world map.

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For more information, interviews, images, and press trip requests, contact Weber Shandwick: visitwales@webershandwick.com / 0161 240 9013.