NEWPORT'S business community is delighted by the news that Bill Clinton is coming to stay at the Celtic Manor Resort. Ceri Hillier reports.

NEWS of Bill Clinton's visit to Newport this Saturday has brought whoops of joy from those working hard to publicise the town as a place to do business.

We reported yesterday how the former US president will be staying in one of the hotel's presidential suites after making a keynote speech at the Hay-on-Wye Festival. And the news has delighted David Russ, chief executive of Newport Chamber of Commerce.

He said: "I think it's just another growing recognition that Newport is making its mark in the business and sporting context.

"Clearly the Celtic Manor is recognised by Bill Clinton's aides, otherwise they would not have booked him in there."

Mr Russ added that anything which raises the profile of Newport as a world- class location has to be of benefit. He described the Celtic Manor as a "world- class location in its own right", and added it was a testament to that fact that Mr Clinton will be staying there.

He added that someone should take the opportunity to approach the former president and ask him to support the town's bid for city status.

Eve Williams, president of Newport Chamber of Trade, was also upbeat about the visit, saying it would be a boost for the town.

She said: "It shows the immense profile we have got with the Celtic Manor. "As far as I am concerned I am delighted he has chosen the Celtic Manor. It puts Newport on the map and hopefully it will encourage people to think positively about the Ryder Cup and Newport as a whole."

Mrs Williams said Mr Clinton's decision to stay at the hotel "will boost the chances" for the bid by Newbridge-born Terry Matthews to host the 2009 Ryder Cup.

And she suggested that if Mr Clinton wanted to do some local sightseeing he should visit Tredegar House and also take a close look at the Transporter Bridge.

The Wales Tourist Board is also pleased about the imminent visit. A spokeswoman said: "Having someone of such international stature as former president Mr Bill Clinton in Wales is an honour and will give significant kudos to the Celtic Manor, to the Newport area, to Wales and, of course, one of Wales' premier festivals, the Hay festival."

The spokeswoman said that the visit, by its very nature, would bring visitors to Wales and also raise the profile of the Ryder Cup bid.

She said: "He is a well- known golfer and we would hope that he is so impressed by what he sees and experiences at the Celtic Manor that he welcomes the Wales bid."