A new strategy designed to help Wales promote itself as a major events destination has been launched ahead of the 2010 Ryder Cup in Newport.

The Major Events Strategy, which is the first document of its kind for Wales, outlines how the country has already proven capable of hosting successful events. Last year, Cardiff's SWALEC Stadium hosted its first international cricket Test match, while the 2010 Ryder Cup is the first time the biannual golf tournament has been held in Wales.

The document also aims to build on the long-standing success of events such as the National and Urdd Eisteddfodau; the Hay-on-Wye Festival and the Royal Welsh Show. Deputy first minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said: "We now have a sound platform on which to build Wales' position in a fiercely competitive global market. We want to see further growth and innovation.

"This Major Events Strategy is our guide to action so that the whole of Wales reaps the rewards offered by the events industry." Heritage minister Alun Ffred Jones added: "As we have seen with the Ryder Cup and The Ashes Test, sporting events can play an important role in promoting sport development and encouraging healthier lifestyles through regular exercise.

"The Major Events Unit will continue to work with Sport Wales and the national governing bodies of sport to ensure that we give priority to those events which add value to the sports in question." In addition to the 2010 Ryder Cup, Wales is set to host rugby union's Heineken Cup Final and rugby league's 'Magic Weekend' next year. The Millennium Stadium will also feature as part of the London 2012 football event.

Image: The SWALEC Stadium in Cardiff host its first international cricket Test match last summer