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"For too long Tourism has been depicted as a fragmented industry; the launch of WTA Ltd has ensured a co-ordinated, pan-Wales approach to all trade matters," said WTA Ltd. chairman Julian Burrell. "We are in touch with politicians and other key industry players to progress the industry's interests and to raise awareness of the views and needs of the trade." "The tourism industry must be involved in the decision making process on matters that affect us all". To ensure that all sectors and parts of Wales have input into the policy-making process, WTA Ltd constructed a pan-Wales Board framework that led to the election of a group of well-respected and experienced industry leaders. Chairman Julian Burrell, himself a representative of the Wales Association of Self Catering Operators (WASCO) was joined by John Walsh-Heron, (Tourism Training Forum for Wales), North Wales Tourism's Esther Roberts, (Regional Tourism Companies), David Williams (British Hospitality Association), Sir Brooke Boothby (Caravan sector), Ian Rutherford (Welsh Association of Visitor Attractions) and Tim Brace (Tourism in South West Wales) on the Board. The Board mostly meets monthly and WTA Ltd holds a general meeting of all member organisations quarterly. "Our membership is made up of national and regional tourism-related organisations from the length and breadth of Wales. Identifying and championing strategic issues is essential to the continuing success of tourism in Wales and will form the main drive behind our work. We are confident we can make a real difference and deliver for the industry." said Mr Burrell. Commenting on the launch, Jonathan Jones, Chief Executive, Wales Tourist Board, said "We are delighted that the Wales Tourism Alliance is going from strength to strength and give our full support to a body which provides such a strong voice for the tourism industry. We don't always expect to agree on all issues, but will always work together for the benefit of one of Wales' most important industries." The WTA staged the first-ever, all-Wales tourism industry conference at the Hilton, Cardiff, in November 2002; it was a resounding success, leading to the event becoming an annual meeting place for the industry in Wales. This year's conference will take place at the Imperial Hotel, Llandudno, North Wales, on Sunday, November 2 and Monday, November 3.
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