WTA Annual Conference
2009 WTA Conference Summary
The Third Tourism Summit was the key theme of the Wales Tourism Alliance Annual Conference held at the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells on 1st/2nd November 2009.
On Sunday 1st November, the theme of the debate was 'Where is Tourism on the Welsh Assembly Agenda'. Many facets of the work that affect and support the tourism industry is now carried out by departments other than Visit Wales. The conference considered where is responsibility going and how can we maximise benefits for the industry. How can WTA evolve to meet new industry needs and improve and renew our industry structures?
The Wales Industry Dinner on Sunday 1st November, sponsored by the BHA, has become established as the annual social event for the tourism industry in Wales.
On Monday 2nd November, in the opening address from the Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones the key message was that “The tourism industry has a vital role to play in the Welsh economy.”
“The WTA has come a long way in the ten years since it was established – it now represents 7,000 tourism businesses covering all the major sectors of the industry in Wales. So it’s an increasingly strong and credible industry voice and one that the Assembly Government listens to, and works closely with.
Tourism is fully acknowledged by the Assembly Government as an economically important sector in the Welsh economy. Tourism also features clearly in the Assembly Government’s “One Wales” commitments for Wales.”
The Minister also updated delegates on the most recent Visit Wales Survey of Tourism Businesses, which showed that the tourism industry had enjoyed a successful summer period. The Minister also outlined Visit Wales’s marketing activities and updated delegates on progress relating to tourism projects currently underway which are being funded by Convergence Funding.
“We have a rich and varied natural tourism product in Wales – fantastic coastline and towns and villages with their distinct and unique culture and heritage. These all hold significant appeal to visitors, and we are working to make the most of this tourism bounty through a range of strategies and action plans which will maximise their potential.”
Alun Ffred Jones also commented “I am pleased that we now have a fully representative Tourism Advisory Panel covering all the key sectors of the industry in Wales. I look forward to working with them over the next three years to help develop the tourism industry in Wales.”
The topics for the Business Session on Monday 2nd November 2009 included:
- Opportunities presented by new technology to market Wales
- An effective training scheme for the industry in Wales
- Battling the Budget - Changes to the Furnished Holiday Letting Rules
- Hidden Costs
- Rating Revaluation
- Green Tourism Business Scheme
- Proposed new water supply charges
- Introduction to the new Tourism Advisory Panel