The country of Wales is applying for two generic top level domain names (gTLDs) from the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
UK minister for business, enterprise, technology and science Edwina Hart has approved the .wales and .cymru domain names.
As such, not-for-profit internet registry Nominet is submitting a dual gTLD application to ICANN during the current 90-day window.
Glenn Hayward, director of finance and business development at the firm, said the move is “a big opportunity” for Wales to define its space on the internet.
Registering .wales and .cymru would help maximize the distinct identity of the country in both the English and Welsh languages, he said.
“We are confident that our proposed model will position Wales at the forefront of the digital world, by creating trusted high quality domains that provide a clear signpost to all aspects of Welsh society,” Mr. Hayward added.
“It will provide consumers and businesses with an opportunity to express their identity and pride through a dedicated online space.”
Interested parties have up until April 12th to make gTLD applications to ICANN, when the three-month application window closes.