Byline: By Sam Burson Western Mail
The world's most famous search engine has apologised after dropping a clanger which gifted Wales' most festive village to a neighbouring county. Google ran a marketing campaign stating the village of Bethlehem was in Powys, rather than Carmarthenshire. The animated banner Christmas campaign advised UK internet users to use the Google Maps travel service for driving directions over the festive period.
The advert contained a marker descending from a starry night sky and landing in a snowy field.
But the location bubble displayed the words, 'Bethlehem, Powys, SA9,' linked to an overhead view of the area.
The hamlet has worked its name to its advantage, having become a prominent tourist attraction, while its post office does a roaring Christmas trade, with visitors flocking to have their cards franked with the festive name.
But rather than being in Powys, as stated in the advert, the Welsh Bethlehem is just outside Llangadog in Carmarthenshire - a long way over the border.
Admitting the mistake, a Google spokesperson said, 'It was a small advertising campaign that finished on December 31.
'If you clicked on the ad, it was taking you to the map of Bethlehem in Carmarthenshire, but the display itself said Powys.'
The Bethlehem banner was one of three festive Google Maps adverts, the other two featuring Holly Avenue in Stockport and Rudolph Road in London.
They were not sure how many people had clicked on the Bethlehem advert.
Carmarthenshire County Council executive board member Clive Scourfield said, 'How can anybody make such a mistake as to place our Bethlehem in Powys?
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