Wales Tourism Alliance

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The WTA

The Wales Tourism Alliance (WTA) was formed in 1998 when the National Assembly for Wales was established and the responsibility for tourism was devolved from Westminster to Cardiff.

WTA is widely recognised as the voice of the industry in Wales. WTA and its members provide a collective voice to put forward the views of the industry to Welsh Government and beyond.

Tourism in Wales is collectively responsible for over £6.2Billion to Welsh GDP and over 172,000 jobs.

WTA members organisations are widely respected within the tourism industry and leaders in their sectors. This collective expertise represents over 6000 tourism businesses in Wales. Working day to day with businesses means that our members are the organisations best placed to spot 'trends' and 'early warning signs' quickly which could affect this important industry.

Providing this collective voice provides the communication which is needed between the industry and the government departments, its only through working together that we can protect this vital industry for Wales.

The WTA meet face to face with both Assembly Members and Welsh MPs on a regular basis, so that they receive industry input direct and our voice is heard.

Tourism in Wales ...and BREXIT

There were 9.3 million overnight tourist trips to Wales by GB residents in 2016. Tourists and visitors spend more than £17 million a day in Wales, amounting to £6.3 billion a year. (Aug 2018, Visit Wales)

Brexit presents challenges for our tourism industry both for growth in business and employment, the Welsh Government and Industry need to be proactive if any emerging opportunities are to be seized. We are all aware that the business environment will be tough, however if Sterling weakens after March 2019, an increase in international visitors should be expected and the so called number of ‘Staycations’ may also increase... although we also recognise neither is a given.

We all need to be ready, government and industry alike. It is a time when the rules are being re-written. Let it be done in a way which realises the potential of our industry and wider visitor economy.