Travellers arriving at Cardiff Airport will now experience a brighter, warmer welcome to Wales thanks to a new Welsh Government-funded project to improve passenger experience.

The new art and multimedia installations are one component of the wider activity recommended by the Cardiff Airport Taskforce, established by the First Minister, to look at ways of making the airport more popular and improving passenger experience.

The project was agreed prior to the Welsh Government acquiring the share holding of Cardiff Airport in March 2013.

Work undertaken at the airport over the past few weeks means the upgraded inward-bound walkways and public areas now celebrate and promote Wales’ vibrant culture, heritage, landscape, products and businesses.

First Minister Carwyn Jones and Minister for Economy Edwina Hart got a preview of the new installations when they flew out of Cardiff Airport on their way to the British Irish Council meeting in Northern Ireland.

The First Minister said: “First impressions are important. Cardiff Airport is a major gateway into Wales for air passengers and this new project will showcase a uniquely Welsh approach to business, culture, the arts, tourism and events.”

Jon Horne, Chief Executive at Cardiff Airport said: “The customer journey has been greatly enhanced, making the arrival experience far more enjoyable.

Passengers now experience an exciting welcome to Wales and initial reactions have been hugely positive, people are not expecting it but it makes everyone smile and gets everyone talking.”