CATHERINE ZETA-JONES' wedding to MICHAEL DOUGLAS has had an unexpected boost on Welsh tourism - raking in a massive $45 million (£30 million) for the industry.

Tourism chiefs in the tiny country say the coverage of the beautiful ENTRAPMENT star's glitzy marriage has raised the profile of Wales overseas by a vast amount.

A WALES TOURIST BOARD spokeswoman says, "If you took TV coverage in the USA alone, where advertising rates for TV campaigns are sky- high the bill would run into millions if this was an ad campaign. "To have the Welsh flag flying alongside the Stars and Stripes banner in one of the world's most fashionable hotels was in itself a statement worth a huge amount in public relations terms. "But the best thing about the whole worldwide coverage of the couple's romance has been Catherine's genuine love for Wales and for Swansea Bay and Gower, where she grew up.

"If people throughout the United States saw a slick advertising campaign for Wales, they would no doubt be impressed but to hear a leading actress sing the praises of the country without being paid to do so will make a massive impact." The couple wed in New York on Saturday (18NOV00). (MCM/WNWCTW/CPT)

Source: WENN