This year’s Wales Tourism Week - May 15-21 – was launched at the Senedd, Cardiff Bay today (May 11). The Wales Tourism Alliance (WTA), the voice of the tourism industry in Wales, is co-ordinating the week-long ‘celebration of our tourism heroes' in association with Visit Wales and the tourism industry.
The WTA has chosen the occasion to challenge the Welsh and UK Governments to realise the potential of the tourism industry and wider visitor economy in their post Brexit plans. Adrian Barsby, Chair WTA laid out the challenges and opportunities facing the industry when the UK leaves European Union. Adrian Barsby introduced Grenville Chamberlain, Chair Caravan & Motorhome Club sponsors of the event, Grenville briefly spoke about the changing marketplace and consumer needs, particularly in relation to the growth of Motorhome use. Suzy Davies AM Chair Tourism & Hospitality Cross Party Group gave a briefing as to the importance of the industry in terms of revenue generation and also mentioned the ongoing work of the Cross Party Group. Margaret Llewellyn OBE, Chair Ministerial Tourism Advisory Board touched on the progress made against the current tourism strategy ‘Partnership for Growth’, highlighting success and projecting forward with thoughts as to how the industry can move forward into a new era. Margaret welcomed the focus on internationalism and discussed skills development in the industry. “Brexit presents challenges for the tourism industry in Wales but also great opportunities for growth in business and employment,” said WTA chair Adrian Barsby. “It is a time when the rules are being re-written. Let it be done in a way which realises the potential of the tourism industry and wider visitor economy.” A week of activities ends with a tourism summit on the theme of internationalism in Llandrindod Wells on May 18 where Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, will be the keynote speaker. This year’s Wales Tourism Week theme aims to highlight the profile of the industry, its huge revenue generating value and the job and career opportunities it provides. “We want tourism associations and businesses to engage and showcase the fantastic breadth and depth of talent we have here in Wales,” added Mr Barsby. “This is what really counts and what makes us able to deliver that vital economic contribution to Wales and our local communities. Unlike other industries, tourism benefits reach all parts of Wales.” A full listing of the events taking place can be found on the Wales Tourism Alliance website http://www.wta.org.uk/wales-tourism-week.html The WTA, along with its partners, is calling on tourism associations, trade organisations and businesses across the country to undertake events that highlight the importance of the industry over the week. Any organisation wishing to add an event to the list should email [email protected] with details, including the date, time and location. ENDS For more information, please contact Adrian Greason-Walker, Wales Tourism Alliance, on 07749 785147.
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