Welsh Government announce online switch to .wales & .cymru

The Welsh Government will promote a unique Welsh presence online by switching its web domain from .gov.uk to .wales and .cymru, the First Minister, Carwyn Jones, has announced at a global conference in London today.

Speaking at the 50th Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers’ (ICANN) conference, the First Minister said that a switch to .wales and .cymru will enhance the global presence of brand Wales.

The Welsh Government will begin the switch from .gov.uk to .cymru and .wales from next year and join many other high-profile organisations also making the switch, including Sport Wales and the National Museum of Wales.

The First Minister said:

“This is an exciting opportunity for Wales to have a distinct presence on the web and I am pleased that we have been able to join other high-profile organisations in leading the way with the switch to .wales and .cymru.

“This provides us with an opportunity to set Wales apart online and promote the unique benefits of our country, both economically and culturally. By securing bilingual domain names we are also able to promote and encourage the use of the Welsh language online.

“I hope Welsh businesses and organisations will join us in the switch, helping to establish a global profile that reflects Wales’ unique identity, enabling us to create a recognisable Welsh community online.”

A phased launch of the .wales and .cymru domains will begin in September, with general availability from spring 2015.

The Chair of Nominet, the company responsible for running the .uk domain name registry, Baroness Rennie Fritchie said:

“The Welsh Government has warmly endorsed .cymru and .wales right from the start and we are delighted that they have committed to making the switch. This move is a fitting celebration of the beginning of an online space that is truly Welsh.”

Holders of a trademark are urged to act now for the best possible chance to secure the corresponding domain name by applying to the Trademark Clearing House by July. Businesses in Wales will have a further opportunity to secure domain names and can register their interest online.