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Minister backing Tourism Week

David Jones, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Wales, hosted a Parliamentary reception yesterday to help draw attention to the significant economic contribution of the tourism and hospitality industry to the Welsh economy.
This is the first year Wales has had a stand-alone celebration, running from February 27 to March 4, to showcase the region as an inspirational tourist destination, completely separate from British Tourism Week, and highlight potential economic significance for the future.
Members of the industry from Wales were present, along with senior UK industry members that work closely with them in Wales, MPs and Lords from Wales.
Mr Jones said: “It is truly excellent Wales has established its own Tourism Week, to mark the wealth of wonderful events, places and attractions the region has to offer and raise awareness of the industry’s vital importance to all elements of the economy.
“Recent studies have shown Wales’ hotels and restaurants could have potential to create another 20,000 jobs in less than ten years. To maximise this economic potential in Wales we need to encourage strong partnership working between the hospitality sector and government nationally and locally, to create successful economic strategy and policy making.
“2012 has potential to be a very exciting year for Welsh Tourism, from early May Wales will be first country in the world to have a formal trail the whole way around its coast. In addition, we have many sporting, music, historic and cultural events to capitalise on, including the Olympics, Paralympics, and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.”