Wales Tourism Week — 27 February - 4 March 2012

Showcasing Tourism in Wales

 "Tourism is an extremely important contributor to the Welsh economy
and an industry with a real potential to grow, create new jobs
and spread prosperity around Wales."

Dan Clayton Jones, chair, Ministerial Tourism Advisory Panel

The tourism industry may have become a key sector for the Welsh Government, but it is vital that the industry continues to shout about its successes and celebrates the essential role it plays, not just in the economy of Wales but especially for the survival of many rural communities.

Wales Tourism Week is our opportunity to show the public and politicians of all persuasions the importance of the tourism industry to Wales. And this is one of those "Ask not what your [tourism industry] can do for you…" moments.

Wales Tourism Week is your chance to get together with fellow tourism businesses and local tourism associations to showcase what makes the tourism product near you great. We need everyone to understand tourism's importance for communities, jobs and the economy - both locally and for Wales as a whole.

We need your help to create a huge noise around tourism during Wales Tourism Week by organising events and open-days to which politicians, their advisors and officials are invited to see why tourism deserves greater investment and support, and to hear from the coalface about the needs, aspirations and expectations of this important economic sector.

The Wales Tourism Alliance has done its bit by holding a launch event in Westminster aimed at Welsh MPs and a special event will be held in Cardiff Bay at the Norwegian Church on the 29 February. If you would like to attend the Cardiff Bay event or invite your AM or MP let us know. Places are limited - so the sooner the better.

We look forward to hearing from you.
 
Chris Osborne, chair
Wales Tourism Alliance

 

Why do we need Wales Tourism Week?

We need as much government support for the tourism industry as possible at the moment – thoughtful legislation and deregulation; national marketing and direct business support - we need our fair share to survive and thrive.

The industry needs political support to ensure that local authorities, the Welsh Government and Westminster alike work to create the best possible conditions in which to do business. The industry is bending over backwards to deliver for cash-strapped and bargain savvy visitors in these difficult times, so we need government at all levels to play its part. To do that, they need to know what its like 'out there'.

That's where tourism associations and individual business can help. We need you to pull together to stage events and open days that really showcase tourism in Wales at its best, using those opportunities to explain to politicians and other key stakeholders the pressures faced by the industry and the changes that are needed to support jobs and growth.

Spotlight on Attractions and Activities (in the loosest terms)

Our theme for this year is focused around Attractions and Activities - two things that draw visitors to Wales in their millions each year, be it the huge St David's Centre in Cardiff or St David's in Pembrokeshire, and the activity is eating rather than coasteering.

Examples of events you might stage include inviting your local Assembly Member for a tour of an attraction; followed by tea and cake at a local hotel; take some photos and get a short item in the local press. It does not have to be a big or expensive event - you simply need to get across the business case for tourism.

 

Get Involved

If you want to get involved and shout about how great our industry is, then all you need to do is let the Wales Tourism Alliance know about your event or promotion. It can even be an existing event being held around Saint David’s Day.

Please let us know the date, time and venue, together with an outline of the itinerary so that we can promote your Wales Tourism Week themed event via our website and news. The rest is up to you.

To register, e-mail Bridget Hall at info@wta.org.uk (Bridget will need your organisation name; date and details of what you intend to do).

We will then post it to our website and electronically send you our electronic help pack, which includes:
•  A kit with tips for organising an event
•  Facts and figures on tourism in Wales
•  List of Assembly Members & MPs by region
•  Template invitation letter

Events Around Wales for WTW12

Have you told us what you're up to yet? Contact Bridget Hall on info@wta.org.uk