​Welsh Government is offering a webinar to help SMEs prepare for Brexit. This will be held on Wednesday 27 March, 1-2pm.
 
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/importing-exporting-in-a-potential-no-deal-eu-exit-tickets-59040482673
 
Officials from HMRC, Food Standards Agency, DEFRA and the Border Delivery Group will cover the planned changes for both customs and broader border issues. By attending this webinar, you will learn about:

• Import and Export Processes - including transit and easements such as Transitional Simplified Procedures (TSP). TSP allows companies to transport goods into the UK without making a full customs declaration. It will also mean businesses can postpone paying import duties.
• Processes for the import/export of controlled goods including food, animals and plants.
• Crucial steps businesses can take to prepare for a potential no deal Brexit and where to find the additional sources of information you may need.
• Support available to help SMEs in Scotland and Wales.

 
This webinar will include an opportunity for you to ask questions direct to UK Government officials.

Extract from plenary session - 19th March 2019

Promoting tourism – Question asked by Mark Isherwood AM: How is the Welsh Government promoting tourism in North Wales?

Mark Drakeford AM: I thank the Member for that. North Wales is featured in all Visit Wales marketing activity, including its current Year of Discovery campaigns in the United Kingdom, Ireland and in Germany. There is also, via competitive application, financial support given to partners to collaborate on particular projects to market the north Wales area.

Mark Isherwood AM: Thank you for that response. But with the north Wales growth deal hopefully moving forward, and the approach by the North Wales Economic Ambition Board as team north Wales that Visit Wales should invest more in supporting the regions to target our UK domestic market while leaving Visit Wales to focus on Wales's profile internationally, how will the Welsh Government engage with our regional destination marketing organisation, North Wales Tourism, representing approximately 1,500 tourism-related businesses in north Wales, who are doing a great job already with their 'Go North Wales' brand, but could do a great deal more if more support from the Welsh Government and Visit Wales was forthcoming?
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Mark Drakeford AM: thank the Member for that. I agree with him that fantastic efforts are made by tourism operators in north Wales to promote the area and to make it an attractive destination to visitors from the rest of the United Kingdom, but also from the rest of the world. We've talked already this afternoon, Llywydd, about Japan, and when Wales is in Japan for the Rugby World Cup it will be a major opportunity for us to showcase Wales as a destination for visitors from that part of the world, and north Wales operators particularly have already worked very hard to increase the number of visitors from Japan visiting north Wales. In fact, 27 of the top 30 Japanese tour operators now include north Wales on their UK itineraries, and that is a tribute to the work that has gone on in the region to promote it as a destination. We will continue to work through the regional tourism forum from north Wales to make sure that the work that is done by Visit Wales to promote the whole of our nation fully reflects the needs of north Wales and goes on making it such a successful destination for visitors in the United Kingdom and the rest of the world. 

BEIS has published a call for evidence on the Consumer Contract Regulations (CCR). These regulations govern:

• the information which a trader must give to a consumer before and after making a sale
• how that information should be given
• the right for consumers to change their minds when buying at a distance or off-premises
 
They also ban practices such as:
• additional payments which appear as a default option
• requiring customers to pay more than the basic phone rate for post-contract customer helplines
 
From a tourism point of view, one of the most important aspects of the CCR is the “right to cancellation” provisions for off-premises sales. Currently, for most goods and services, customers have a 14 day right to return goods or cancel services. However, there is an exemption to these cancellation rights for a wide range of tourism products including tourism accommodation, flights, car hire, tickets to events and services relating to leisure activities that take place on a specified date or period. BEIS is considering modifying or removing this exemption, with the consultation document stating that “Initial feedback from some stakeholders suggests that in some circumstances, certain exemptions could be causing consumer detriment, for example hotel bookings” and citing recent work that the CMA has been undertaking on OTAs.
 
It is therefore important for the tourism industry to respond to this consultation. If anyone wishes the Wales Tourism Alliance to respond, with any issues you would like us to forward  -  adriangwalker@gmail.com alternatively you can place your own response. The closing date for submissions is 1 May 2019 and can be send to : CCRSCFEresponse@beis.gov.uk
 
Alternatively, you can complete the online survey https://beisgovuk.citizenspace.com/ccp/consumer-contract-regs-2014-review-cfe/
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It is over six months on from when the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 (PTR 2018) came into force on 1 July 2018. PTR 2018 implements Directive (EU) 2015/2302 and replaces the 1992 Package Travel Regulations. The effect of PTR 2018 is to increase the number of packages that have insolvency protection in place so that consumers are refunded, and where appropriate, repatriated if the organiser becomes insolvent. In response to the concerns raised during implementation, the Government committed to taking stock after six and twelve months of PTR 2018’s operation. The aim is to use the insights gained to help inform a fuller review at the 12 months stage.

The WTA's key concern is that where the information requirements are useful for consumers when they are purchasing products that are generally recognised to be package holidays that include transport and accommodation, the information required is far less useful in situations where the consumer is purchasing Value-Added product that combines accommodation with “Other Tourism Services” such as a ticket to an attraction. Plus they are of no real use where the products and services are being provided on the same premises by the same operator. In these situations, the requirements are simply an additional burden for businesses and confusing to consumers.

Wales Tourism Alliance Chair, Andrew Campbell (2nd right) gave a presentation at Sail Scotland's Marine Tourism Conference, (6th March 2019) held in the Clydeside town of Greenock. The event formed part of Scotland's Month of Tourism and was focused on how best to secure opportunities for the Year of Coasts and Waters which commences in 2020.

Andrew gave an industry perspective and review of Wales' Year of the Sea 2018 campaign, based upon feedback received from WTA members - and was also able to share ideas and examples of good practice. It was also an occasion to showcase the nation's maritime assets, which one delegate described as a "great advert for Welsh tourism!".

Other speakers included:
Fergus Ewing   -   Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy; Jock Wishart    -    Legendary Maritime Adventurer; Hugo Tagholm  -   CEO Surfers Against Sewage; Marie Christie   -    VisitScotland; Robbie Drummond  -  MD Calmac Ferries; Jeff Houlgrave  -    Chairman Superyacht UK
Karen Christie  -    Scottish Tourism Alliance;  Daniel Steele    -    CEO Sail Scotland 

TIER is a small group comprising key tourism industry organisations and government.  The group develops plans for crisis scenarios as well as managing the tourism industry’s response to a specific crisis. TIER is facilitated by VisitBritain and comprises 10+ industry representatives.  Members of the group include the Association of British Travel Agents, UKinbound, UK Hospitality, Britain’s national tourist boards, British Airways and the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions. Other groups are called on depending on the location and nature of the crisis.
 
A meeting was held on the 12th March to discuss the impact of BREXIT on the industry:

• Members reported a slowdown from our European markets overall, notably France, Germany, the Netherlands and school groups. With more than two-thirds of the UK’s inbound tourism visits coming from Europe, it was recognised that it is is crucial that we work to retain as well as grow this region, emphasising our welcome and good value.  
• The longer-term trend overall from long-haul markets has been one of rapid growth. Members reported that markets such as the US and China are immune from impact and this is backed up by strong forward flight bookings from the US, our most valuable visitor market, tracking up 18% for arrivals between March and May compared to the same period last year and up 19% from China, the world’s most valuable outbound market.  
• The business event sector still seems to be performing well, clarity on visas and the movement of goods longer-term is needed to continue to attract conferences, meetings and exhibitions to the UK.  
• Concern was expressed by the group about inaccurate information being provided by foreign Governments in market regarding travel to Britain from 30 March.  
• For many members, the domestic market is seen is the biggest opportunity for 2019, with businesses keeping their marketing budgets flexible. Both VisitScotland and London & Partners are about to launch domestic campaigns and VisitEngland has increased investment in domestic marketing for next year.  
• VisitBritain is currently developing a marketing campaign in Europe for launch in the first quarter of the financial year (April-July). Working in partnership with the private sector, activity will reinforce the welcome message, encourage visitors to book now and provide reassurance on practical areas, such as visas, ID cards, etc.  
• The Government has published two pages of advice for outbound and inbound travellers on Gov.uk.

 
Advice for visitors

• Travel for EU visitors will not change: Both the EU and the UK have proposed reciprocal visa-free travel for their nationals. The UK will accept national ID cards from EU and EEA nationals until December 2020 but the intention to phase out their use and move to an automated border was stated in the Immigration White Paper. EU nationals can continue to use e-passport gates and we would encourage EU nationals to travel on biometric passports as it means they can use e-gates. Further info on the new Gov.uk page which also states there will be no changes to immigration requirements for tourists visiting the UK from non EU countries. Tourists from non EU countries can check if they need a visa here.  
• Aviation - Measures put forward by the UK and the EU will ensure that flights can continue in any EU Exit scenario.  The European Commission has agreed a provisional Regulation which would allow for the continuation of flights from the UK to the EU for a period of 12 months and the Government has set out detailed plans confirming protection for flights in a no deal scenario. The DFT Secretary of State published a statement on the UK position last week.  
• Border preparations - while there is a lot of media coverage of the risks, by end of March 2019, Border Force is on track to increase its workforce by 900 full time staff, against its March 2018 baseline. Border Force is confident that, through the additional recruitment it has successfully delivered ahead of Day 1, and the ability to flexibly deploy contingency staff, it will have the resource it needs in place on Day 1 to manage any new requirements.  
• Driving in the UK: For those without a non-UK licence, how you can drive in the UK will not change after Brexit.

 
For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visiting-the-uk-after-brexit 
 
Advice for workers

• EU nationals working in the UK: In either a deal or no deal scenario EU nationals will continue to be able to come to the UK to work. During the implementation period, EU citizens coming to the UK and UK nationals going to the EU will be able to live, work and study as they do now.  The Government has confirmed in a no deal scenario that EU nationals can work or study in the UK for up to three months and those who wish to stay longer will need to apply to the Home Office for leave to remain within three months of arrival. Subject to identity, criminality and security checks, leave to remain will be granted for 36 months which will include permission to work and study. 

 

There is a Gov.UK website that contains information and advice for visitors to the UK regarding the impacts of Brexit. The site includes information on what happens under both  Deal and No Deal scenarios. The information is being updated on a regular basis so it is keep an eye on the page as the advice changes with the political  situation. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visiting-the-uk-after-brexit
 
Visit Britain's analysis of the Q3 IPS figures contains useful information on what is happening in European markets. The figures are six months old and the factors associated with increases and decreases are not solely attributable to Brexit, but it does give a flavour as to which markets seem to be holding up (eg., Sweden and Spain) and which ones seem to be affected (Germany and the Netherlands). 
https://www.visitbritain.org/sites/default/files/vb-corporate/Documents-Library/inbound_tourism_trends_q3_2018.pdf

General Economic Status
 

• GDP growth has been cut significantly, to just 1.2% for 2019 before rising to 1.4% and then 1.6% for the next three years
• Aim is to create another 600,000 new jobs by 2023
• Debt to fall to 82.2% of GDP next year, then 79%, 74.9%, 74%, and finally 73% in 2023-24
• Wage are forecast to continue growing faster than inflation

 
It is worth noting that all the forecasts are based on the assumption that the UK leaves the EU with a deal (ie., goes into a transition period during which the status-quo with the EU remains). If UK crashes out, then all forecasts are off.
 
Tourism Related Issues
 
CSR

• Of particular importance to the tourism industry in the context of the Tourism Industry Deal, the Government confirmed that the Comprehensive Spending Review will start before the summer recess with the outcome in Departmental budgets announced alongside the Autumn Budget

 Employment and Skills

• The UK Government has appointed Professor Arindajit Dube to undertake a review of the latest international evidence on minimum wages, to inform future National Living Wage policy after 2020
• From this Autumn, PhD-level occupations will be exempt from the cap on high-skilled visas from this autumn

 
 Transport

• The government will launch a call for evidence on Offsetting Transport Emissions to explore consumer understanding of the emissions from their journeys and their options to offset them.
• From June 2019, citizens of the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea will be permitted to use e-gates at UK airports and at Eurostar terminals. (This was previously been announced as occurring in summer)
• Landing cards from all other countries will also begin to be abolished from June 2019

  
Business Support

• The Government is launching a call for evidence on a Business Energy Efficiency Scheme to explore how it can support investment in energy efficiency measures in order to help small businesses
• The Government will launch a global review into the Economics of Biodiversity to explore ways to enhance the natural environment and deliver prosperity
• The Government has published a consultation on Infrastructure Finance, seeking views on how the government can best support private infrastructure investment in the context of the UK’s changing relationship with the European Investment Bank

 
Taxation
•           The Government announced a review of global tech companies to ensure they pay a fair share of tax in the UK.
 
Marketing

• The Government asked the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to undertake a study of the digital advertising market​

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