The success in hosting the UEFA Champions League Final has been hailed as yet another Welsh success story on the world events stage by Ian Edwards, CEO at Newport's International Convention Centre Wales and Celtic Manor Resort.

The world’s biggest single sporting occasion took place in the Welsh capital, reaffirming the reputation of South Wales as a destination capable of hosting significant international events.

Mr Edwards said: “Following the hosting of the 2014 NATO Summit and the 2010 Ryder Cup, the UEFA Champions League Final in Cardiff yet again underlines the ability of South Wales to host major international events. We might be the smallest nation to stage the final so far, but the combination of logistical expertise and Welsh passion for sport made this the most memorable of occasions for fans both in Cardiff and watching all around the world.”

The new ICC Wales at Celtic Manor Resort will open in 2019. The leadership team aims to capitalise on the growing reputation of South Wales as a major events destination to attract business events to the new venue.

Mr Edwards said: “No-one can doubt Wales’s experience and reputation in staging world-class events. The Champions League Final was a fantastic opportunity to build the brand of Cardiff and Wales more widely to a global audience. It’s not just about the visiting fans or the worldwide TV exposure, it’s also about the number of sponsors, corporates and companies who will see that South Wales is serious about business of all kinds. We aim to make the most of this in promoting ICC Wales to the business events community.”

Opening in 2019, the ICC Wales is located within the grounds of the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport just two minutes from the M4.

The new-build 26,000 sq m venue will accommodate 5,000 delegates and includes a 4,000 sq m pillar-free main hall, a 1,500 seated auditorium, 12 flexible meeting rooms, a double-height glass atrium and a 2,500 sq m outdoor plaza for outside events and teambuilding.

The ICC Wales is a joint venture between the owners of the Celtic Manor Resort and Welsh Government and is managed by Celtic Manor’s expert leadership team responsible for the successful delivery of the 2014 NATO Summit and the 2010 Ryder Cup.