 FIRST minister Rhodri Morgan unveiled a new brand symbol for Wales yesterday - a red dragon - which was blasted by other parties. The logo is part of a £119,000 marketing overhaul aimed at the UK and over-seas markets which coincides with the scrapping of the Welsh Development Agency and Wales Tourist Board symbols. The former quangos were yesterday integrated into the government's new Department of Enterprise Innovation and Networks. The branding will be used to promote Wales as a tourist destination and a place to do business or to study. The first minister said: "We all know that up until now Wales has not had a high international profile - especially compared to Scotland or Ireland." He said too often the Welsh image was based on outdated stereotypes such as rugby, sheep or coalmines. "A brand isn't just a logo. It is about a way of thinking and operating and knowing the strengths we would like to present and promote about ourselves to others," Mr Morgan added. Officials said they wanted to follow the tradition of tourist board adverts which described Wales as a nation of 641 castles, six Starbucks' coffee shops, and a Snow-donia mountain range where mobile phone reception was poor. |