UK NATO officials held a reception to promote Newport as a tourist and business destination to delegates in Brussels this week.

There have been concerns that Newport is missing out amid the hubbub over what is now dubbed the Nato Wales Summit.

But on Tuesday the UK delegation to Nato held a reception for delegates based at the NATO HQ to give them the opportunity to find out more about Wales and what the host city of Newport has to offer as a business and leisure destination.

Officials at No.10 Downing Street said the reception “raised awareness of Newport’s tourism destinations including its National Trust sites, stunning countryside and the famous Transporter Bridge, which features in the Summit logo.”

Guests also had the chance to taste “traditional Welsh food from Celtic Manor Executive Chef Michael Bates and picking up golf tips from Golf Pro Joe Ferguson.”

The event was backed by Newport council and the summit venue the Celtic Manor Resort, although no officers from Newport council attended.

Some 2,000 people were invited – it’s not clear how many went but the team in Brussels said it was one of the best turn outs they have seen for that type of event.

Labour Leader of Newport council, Councillor Bob Bright, said: “As host city, Newport is ready to show the world and the summit’s delegates that it has the ability, infrastructure and energy to stage another truly global event.

“This reception will be just a taster of what is to come in Newport and Wales in September, and share details of some of the attractions on offer including our tourism, leisure and top-class business facilities. I am pleased to see Newport is being showcased to the world, and we look forward to welcoming guests from Brussels and further afield.”

Ian Edwards, Chief Operating Officer of Celtic Manor Resort said: “This reception is a great opportunity for us to showcase some of the fantastic local produce we use in Celtic Manor and show everything Newport has to offer - from lamb to golf. We look forward to having even more opportunities to showcase the best of Wales around the Summit.”