MINISTERS today said they wanted to build on the success of the Ryder Cup and attract more big events to Wales.

Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said Wales has the experience of hosting the 1999 Rugby World Cup and the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend at the Faenol estate near Bangor this summer, as well as staging home-grown events such as the National Eisteddfod and Hay Festival.

"We now have a sound platform on which to build Wales's position in a fiercely competitive global market,’’ he said.

"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.’’ The Ryder Cup - which tees off at the Celtic Manor resort in Newport on Friday - has shown Wales can "challenge historic traditions which may have held us down in the past’’, he said.

Mr Jones said the Assembly Government will work with national and international federations to realise the country's "huge untapped potential’’ in other sports, art and culture.

Attracting and hosting the Ryder Cup has cost the taxpayer £40 million over 10 years, with more spent on bringing forward projects, including rail and road improvements, in time for the tournament.

Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones said bidding for the Commonwealth Games required resources that were not available in the near future.

He used the example of football's Champions League final as the kind of event Wales could host.

"The major events strategy will enable us to develop a sustainable portfolio of world-class events which will raise international recognition and the reputation of Wales and strongly reflect our culture, traditions and values,’’ he said.

"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.’’