About Us
The Wales Tourism Alliance (WTA) represents the tourism industry in Wales and works closely with the Welsh Assembly Government, Visit Wales and, on UK matters, Visit Britain. The main aim of the WTA is to raise policy matters and issues that affect the industry with politicians and Visit Wales.
"For too long Tourism has been depicted as a fragmented industry; WTA has developed a co-ordinated, pan-Wales approach to representing tourism trade interests" said WTA 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 regions of Wales have input into the policy-making process, WTA is led by a pan-Wales group of well-respected and experienced industry representatives.
The Wales Tourism Alliance member organisations include pan UK, pan Wales and regional bodies. The WTA also work closely with the Tourism Alliance in England the Scottish Tourism Forum.
The Executive Board
Chairman Julian Burrell, representing the Wales Association of Self Catering Operators (WASCO), John Walsh-Heron, (Tourism Training Forum for Wales), Esther Roberts, North Wales Tourism, (Regional Tourism Organisations), David Williams (British Hospitality Association), Huw Pendleton (Caravan sector), Ian Rutherford (Welsh Association of Visitor Attractions) and Chris Osbourne (South West Wales Tourism Associations) on the Executive Board.
The Executive Board mostly meets monthly and holds quarterly general members' meetings with all member organisations representatives.
"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 forms the main drive behind our work. We are confident that WTA can make a real difference and deliver for the industry." said Mr Burrell.
Jonathan Jones, Director of Tourism & Marketing, WAG -Visit Wales, 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 holds an Annual Tourism Conference in November with a range of keynote speakers dealing with topical issues affecting the industry.