Tourism leaders have called on Welsh Government ministers to listen to the industry when developing policies that will impact businesses. The call came from Wales Tourism Alliance (WTA) chairman Suzy Davies and Steve Hughson, chairman of both the Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum and the Event Wales Industry Advisory Group, when speaking at the Mid Wales Tourism Conference. The sell-out conference, which attracted 120 delegates as well as exhibitors and sponsors, was held at the Metropole Hotel and Spa, Llandrindod Wells. The event was organised by MWT Cymru, an independent organisation representing around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia. Mrs Davies said the WTA, which represents around 6,000 businesses in all sectors of tourism industry across Wales, was working with others to restore the industry’s relationship with the Welsh Government. There had been a breakdown in communications stemming from the introduction of the 182-day rule for self-catering accommodation in Wales. Self-catering accommodation that fails to be occupied for 182 days of the year now risks paying much higher council tax. The WTA has been talking to the Welsh Government about the impact of the 182-day rule, a tourism tax and statutory registration of tourism accommodation, but Mrs Davies said it had not been listening and businesses had lost faith in the consultation processes. “The current engagement structures don’t work for either the Welsh Government or the tourism industry,” she added. “The industry must be in the room when the Welsh Government shapes and designs policy and we need to be listened to.” She said there were signs that the Welsh Government was now beginning to listen to the industry’s collective voice, as a review of the 182-day rule had been promised and the tourism tax had been delayed until 2027. “There is now a much better understanding of what we have been all saying for the past 18 months,” she added. “We must never find ourselves in this position again which is why we have organised a symposium in Newtown in January and we hope the Welsh Government will attend.” Mr Hughson also stressed the importance of a united tourism industry working closely with the Welsh Government to influence and shape policies to ensure that they work well when introduced. “We can get the Welsh Government and Visit Wales to change, so long as we work in partnership in a polite, respectful and evidence-based way,” he said. “It has never been more important that we work together.” Regional tourism forums across Wales had an important role in making Welsh Government ministers in different policy areas aware of the cumulative effect of their policies on the tourism industry, he added. MWT Cymru chairman Rowland Rees-Evans thanked both Mrs Davies and Mr Hughson for their work on behalf of tourism businesses during a challenging time for the industry. He referred to four consultation papers issued by the Welsh Government. “They will undoubtedly have a major impact on the industry when the legislation is implemented,” he said. “We are already starting to see the effect of 182-day rule on self-catering holidays. As it stands at the moment, next year we will also have full business rates to contend with, among other changes. “MWT Cymru has always tried to look after its members, business partners and community groups with help and support from our great team who try to get ahead of the curve whenever new legislation, rules and regulations are being put in front of us.” Despites concerns about new legislation, he said there were positive signs that 2024 could be a better year for tourism businesses. Forward bookings were healthier than the same time last year and there was feeling that people, who did not take a holiday in Mid Wales this year due to the cost of living crisis, would return in 2024. Wales Tourism Alliance chairman Suzy Davies being interviewed by Phil Blizzard for a conference podcast.
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A consultation has opened (21 November) on changing the school calendar, so breaks are spread out more evenly, including a 2-week half term autumn break.
The current school calendar means that the autumn term is longer than others. Under the new proposal, a week would be taken from the start of the summer break and added to the October break, so that staff and learners get more time to rest during the long autumn term. These changes would be made from September 2025, meaning schools would get a two-week break in October 2025 and a five-week summer break in 2026. The consultation will also explore additional changes that could be taken forward in the future, but not from 2025. These changes include the option of moving a second week from the summer break and adding it to the Whitsun break. (Please see the full Welsh Government press release on Welsh Government wants your views on the school calendar | GOV.WALES.) The Welsh Government is engaging with the workers and employers from sectors outside of education. The primary objectives of reforming the school year are to address disadvantage, narrow educational inequalities, support learner and staff wellbeing and bring the school calendar more in line with contemporary life. It is important to recognise it is an education reform. It is also important that the wider potential impact, opportunities, and benefits of any changes are shared and understood. Whilst the structure of the school year is an educational policy, we recognise that any changes to the school year structure could impact wider sectors. With this in mind, we would very much like to encourage you to participate in the consultation. Additional updates regarding school year reform and links to the publications mentioned above can be found on the webpage: Reform of the school year | GOV.WALES.
“Our annual Mid Wales Tourism Conference provides an opportunity to cover the topics that matter most to tourism businesses,” said Val Hawkins, chief executive of MWT Cymru (Mid Wales Tourism), the event organiser. “It’s the one big tourism event of the year in the region not to be missed, no matter how big or small your business is. “Delegates will hear from experts in their field, have an opportunity to talk to other tourism and hospitality professionals and suppliers face to face and network with industry leaders and organisations who are there to help businesses succeed. “The conference is designed to give businesses a clearer idea of what's going on, what's changing and how we can better collaborate to keep Mid Wales at the forefront of people's minds as a fantastic destination.” MWT Cymru chairman Rowland Rees-Evans will kick off the conference at 10.30am, followed by Wales Tourism Alliance chairman Suzy Davies who will speak about the organisation’s crucial role in tourism advocacy. In a section titled ‘Empowering businesses with practical solutions’, speakers will give updates on fire safety law, new recycling rules and grant opportunities and tax saving tips for businesses. A trio of speakers from Visit Wales will then focus on marketing under the heading ‘From Mid Wales to the world: Working together to grow tourism’. Reaching international tour operators and potential visitors will be the subject for tourism marketing manager Clare Dwight, while media manager Rob Jones will give advice about engaging with the media and tourism manager Sarah Whitfield will focus on opportunities arising from Tourism Exchange Great Britain (TXGB). Steve Hughson, chair of Mid Wales Regional Tourism Partnership and Event Wales Advisory Group, will summarise the morning programme before leading a short question and answer session. The afternoon session will focus on marketing Mid Wales and looking to the future by harnessing emerging technologies to support businesses. Buzzmint founders Charles Symons and Neil Ferguson will speak about empowering connected communities and circular economies through the application of Web 3.0 technology. Mrs Hawkins will then speak about the Visit Mid Wales website and supporting sustainable communities before introducing Guy Edwards, newly appointed manager of a community-centred project, linked to tokens, rewards and incentives, which is being managed by MWT. A question and answer session closes the conference at around 3pm. The Vale of Rheidol Railway (VoR) at Aberystwyth is negotiating to acquire the Brecon Mountain Railway (BMR).
This merger represents an historic milestone for both railways and safeguards the future of the BMR for future generations to enjoy. The VoR has a rich history dating back to 1902. Known for its breath-taking journeys from the coast at Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge in the Cambrian Mountains, it has been continuously operating as a tourist railway for 120 years, carrying visitors from across the globe. It has a unique history as the last steam railway to be operated by British Rail. By contrast, the BMR is a much newer railway, built by Tony Hills and his business partner Peter Rampton as a narrow gauge railway using the track bed of the former Brecon and Merthyr Railway. The line climbs through the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park with picturesque views of the Taf Fechan reservoir. The locomotives and rolling stock give a flavour of American Narrow gauge railways. The Mid Wales railways have a history of collaboration, with BMR successfully acquiring the Rheidol line in 1988 when it was put up for sale by British Rail (BR). Both lines operated under unified management until 1996, at which point it was decided to establish them as distinct entities, with Mr Hills overseeing the BMR and Mr Rampton taking charge of the VoR. In the intervening years, both railways have invested significantly in enhancing their offerings, with BMR extending services to Torpantau and the VoR developing new workshops, restoring stations and launching new visitor facilities. Regrettably, Mr Hills died in 2015 followed by Mr Rampton in 2019. This new merger will bring a range of benefits to both railways and their visitors:
VoR managing director Llŷr ap Iolo said: “This proposed acquisition seems the natural progression for the Vale of Rheidol to carry on the legacy of both Tony Hills and Peter Rampton. “Having worked with them for over 30 years, it will be a privilege for us to continue Tony’s work with the American two foot gauge theme of the BMR.” BMR managing director Matthew Hills, son of Tony, said: “Bringing the two railways back together will not only guarantee the future of BMR but also the development of the railway. “I and my fellow director believe that this is the best way to secure the future of the railway and my father’s legacy “ The two railways will continue to operate as separate entities, each with its unique charm and character. The VoR is expected to take over BMR operations next spring. For more information, please visit the official websites of the Vale of Rheidol Railway (www.rheidolrailway.co.uk) and the Brecon Mountain Railway (www.bmr.wales). The VoR is a member of MWT Cymru (Mid Wales Tourism), an independent organisation representing around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia. Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville-Roberts, MS Mabon a Gwynfor, MWT Cymru chairman Rowland Rees-Evans, chief executive Val Hawkins, operations manager Zoe Hawkins and director Meurig Jones with members Caroline Cave, William Moeran, Colin Markham, Sian Jones and Kirsty Busfield outside The Trefeddian Hotel, Aberdyfi. Plaid Cymru leaders in Dwyfor Meirionnydd have emphasised the importance of Mid Wales tourism and hospitality businesses having their voices heard in Cardiff and Westminster as they deal with a raft of new rules impacting their sector. Liz Saville-Roberts and Mabon ap Gwynfor, MP and MS respectively for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, were speaking after meeting staff, directors and members of MWT Cymru (Mid Wales Tourism) at the Trefeddian Hotel, Aberdyfi on Monday morning. They warmly welcomed the opportunity to meet with MWT Cymru directors, staff and businesses from their constituency. Plaid Cymru has a co-operation agreement with the Welsh Government which allows them to influence policy. Mr ap Gwynfor pledged to ask Dawn Bowden, Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, to meet MWT Cymru members to hear first-hand the trading challenges they face. The meeting is the last in a series that MWT Cymru has organised to meet MPs and Members of the Senedd representing, Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia. The independent, not for profit organisation represents around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across the region. Mrs Saville-Roberts and Mr ap Gwynfor heard about the challenges facing MWT Cymru members, which included the potential impact on rural Wales of the Welsh Government’s taxation and licensing of self-catering accommodation and a proposed tourism levy and the cost of living crisis. Affordable homes which allow local people to remain living in their communities and the need for infrastructure investment were also discussed. MWT Cymru members called for the Welsh Government to develop policies to positively support and promote the growth of tourism in Mid Wales. MWT Cymru’s chairman Rowland Rees-Evans, chief executive Val Hawkins, MBE and William Moeran, general manager of The Trefeddian Hotel, Aberdyfi, gave an overview of the tourism and hospitality sectors in Mid Wales. Other speakers included MWT Cymru director Meurig Jones, location manager at Portmeirion, Caroline Cave, a director of the Trefeddian Hotel, Kirsty Busfield, co-owner of The Old Vicarage, Corris, Colin Markham, whose family own a farm and holiday let businesses near Tywyn and Sian Jones from Macdonald Plas Talgarth Resort, Pennal. Mr ap Gwynfor said: “It was a really useful and informative meeting and also good to develop a relationship with people working in the sector. It has highlighted the importance of individual businesses and the sector as a whole to our communities, economy and culture. “I am looking forward to developing this relationship to represent the views of MWT Cymru in the Senedd and in discussions in the Welsh Government. We need to ensure that the tourism sector in Mid Wales gets the investment and attention that it deserves and we have a fantastic tourism offer here – the best in the world, I think.” Mrs Saville-Roberts added: “This meeting has improved our understanding of the critical role of family tourism businesses in Mid Wales, the challenges they are facing and the opportunities the industry can provide to Wales, so long as their voice is heard and their experience is included in future legislation.” Mr Rees-Evans, managing director of Penrhos Park, Llanrhystud, said it was important that MWT Cymru continues to engage with and influence political leaders. “It was nice that we, as tourism businesses here in Mid Wales, were able to sit around the table to discuss decisions made in the Welsh Government. We all know that there are a few heavy trains coming down the line that we will have to deal with in the coming months.” Exciting developments at MWT Cymru3/10/2023 We're thrilled to announce that we've secured UK Shared Prosperity Funding (SPF) for a groundbreaking project that integrates Web 3.0/Blockchain technology.
This emerging tech is something we'll be hearing much more about in the near future. Our pioneering initiative aims to engage with local communities in Powys. Once we establish a foundation, we plan to expand it across Mid Wales. The core idea? Revitalise our town centres, strengthen bonds within communities, and reward local shopping – acknowledging the deep connection between tourism and community. Stay tuned for more details in the upcoming weeks. Currently, we're on the hunt for three new team members: a part-time project manager (3 days/week) and two full-time business engagement officers. If you or someone you know has relevant expertise, we'd love to hear from you. There was a slight delay in receiving approval from SPF, which means our timeline is tight so we need to hit the ground running to make the most of this opportunity for Mid Wales! Job opportunities: A new funding opportunity has launched for individuals, businesses and communities in delivering sustainable yet innovative solutions to address some of the economic, social and environmental challenges facing rural areas in Ceredigion.
The Cynnal y Cardi Fund opened on Thursday, 28 September 2023. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is delivered by Cynnal y Cardi, a grant scheme administered by Ceredigion County Council to deliver activity in Ceredigion across two of the Investment Priorities: Communities & Place and Supporting Local Business. Within each of these Investment Priorities, key local priorities (referred to as interventions) have been identified. These are outlined in the Mid Wales UKSPF Regional Investment Plan together with the challenges and opportunities facing the region and the associated outputs and outcomes that UK Government are looking for projects to achieve. The Cynnal y Cardi Community Development and Support Fund is designed to provide opportunities for organisations to deliver services or working with rural communities to pilot new ways of working to trial ideas that tackle issues aligned with key priorities; strengthen and support local communities, building pride in place whilst supporting the local economy and creating safe green spaces, a resilient, healthy and vibrant economic neighbourhood. These measures can be focused on in many ways; improvements to existing sites and areas, climate change, visitors experience, creative industries sector, feasibility studies, succession planning, community measures to combat the cost of living and investment for improving digital infrastructure within local communities.
Support for digital exploitation within the sector, feasibility work, funding for strategic commissioning and the creation of hubs within our communities as to enable business owners to share good practise and work collaboratively.
The closing date for applications is 11:59pm on Tuesday, 31 October 2023. To find out how to apply, visit our website: www.ceredigion.gov.uk/business/funding-grants/cynnal-y-cardi-uk-shared-prosperity-fund-2022-2025/ For information on the important aspects organisations should consider before applying, visit the Growing Mid Wales website: www.growingmid.wales/MidWalesUKSPF For further information, e-mail ce.cynnalycardi@ceredigion.gov.uk A Tribute to Peter Lloyd Harvey27/9/2023
In Richard's words:
"I worked with Peter for 16 years at Llywernog Mine between 1996 and 2012. Lots of stories, lots of laughs, lots of happy visitors and so much work (mostly before I was there) to restore an old mine and tell the story of the area. Every day I am there now, I think of things we worked on together, the things we talked about and the plans we had. We talked a lot about what we'd like to do there. I remember him as always being softly spoken, with a methodical approach to the day's tasks, always a fresh hand written list of jobs on the reception desk. He was a very accomplished carpenter, as was his father, I learnt a fair bit from him over the years. Cambrian Safaris derives from an idea which was first his. Peter was born and grew up in Leicester where his father, Dr Stephen Henry Harvey, was a lecturer in organic chemistry at Leicester University. Next door neighbours were a certain family of Attenboroughs. Peter's mother, Lorna Lloyd, was born and grew up in Aberaeron. Her father, George Herbert Lloyd, was headmaster at the local school. Peter’s parents bought their house in Market St Aberaeron to retire to. Peter and his father loved sailing and spent every possible moment down here and were both trustees, commodore and founding members of the Aberaeron Yacht Club. Peter studied law in London for 1 year, I seem to remember him talking about driving back and forth to Aberaeron in an old London Taxi. I believe he dropped out after a year to start work at Llywernog mine with his Father and others. The ruinous site of Llywernog Mine was acquired in 1973, until then the open mine workings were used as a rubbish dump. It opened to the public a year later in the spring of '74. The project started as a museum to display artefacts found when a group explored old mines in North Ceredigion. The site was gradually transformed and in the early 90's a huge effort went into the clearing out and capping of the top level of the mine workings. Much of that work was done by 4 people: Peter, Peter Jones, Simon Hughes and Colin Broadbent, who is the only survivor. Several people have reminded me of how he would look over his reading glasses at you as you came into the shop at the mine, saying "Ah! Richard" or whoever - always pleased to see you. He was always trying to work to promote Mid Wales for tourism and to have more recognition of the importance of the mining history in north Ceredigion. He also once jointly owned the Cliff Railway in Aberystwyth, had plans for a chairlift down the waterfalls at Devils Bridge (but didn't win the closed bid when the hotel sold the falls). The Count House in Pontrhydygroes was once his family home, with a very long mine tunnel in the garden, which he told me is aligned to sunset on midsummer's day. With his father he ran the "Liverpool to Birkenhead" Gondola across the harbour in Aberaeron - which carried a small number of passengers hanging from a cable. Few people realise that Peter and his father were amongst the first to get an attraction operational in Mid Wales. The ‘Silver Lead Mine’ as it was then called was a real pioneer in the early days of Welsh tourism. Ashford Price, Dan yr Ogof National Showcaves of Wales, said "Peter also had a tremendous knowledge about Mines and minerals, and during his time at the ‘Silver Mine’ was a driving force for attractions in Mid Wales". Val [Hawkins, MWT Cymru/Mid Wales Tourism} will remember his contributions at MWT meetings, I believe he was a force to be reckoned with, bringing a dose of reality no doubt! I remember similar at Pentir Pumlumon meetings. I'm sorry that I never managed to get to go sailing with him - even though he more than once told the story of becoming shipwrecked on the beach at Aberaeron having missed the harbour entrance in a storm! " An electric vehicle charging at one of Ceredigion County Council’s car parks Ceredigion County Council have today issued the following update regarding electric vehicle (EV) charging. You can now choose from 112 charging points across Ceredigion to charge your electric vehicle (EV). 76 of these are provided by Ceredigion County Council in 18 different locations, including Council car parks. Following the successful delivery of two phases of EV infrastructure installations in Ceredigion County Council car parks, the county now has the highest number of EV charging points per 100,000 population for the public to use across the whole of Wales. According to Welsh Government figures published in July 2023, Ceredigion has 158.5 chargers per 100,000 population when compared against the Welsh average of 60.7. Read the report by Welsh Government here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/electric-vehicle-charging-device-statistics-july-2023. These chargers are publicly available for residents and visitors to Ceredigion to use, and are located at the following sites: Aberaeron Leisure Centre, Aberaeron, 2 EV spaces Penmorfa Offices Car Park, Aberaeron, 4 EV spaces Regent Street (‘Crossville’) Car Park, Aberaeron, 4 EV spaces Glan y Môr, North Beach, Aberaeron, 4 EV spaces Park Avenue Car Park, Aberystwyth, 6 EV spaces Plascrug Leisure Centre, Aberystwyth, 4 EV spaces Canolfan Rheidol Offices Car Park, Aberystwyth, 4 EV spaces North Road Car Park, Aberystwyth, 4 EV spaces Community Hall, Borth, 2 EV spaces Greenfield Square Car Park, Cardigan, 2 EV spaces Cardigan Leisure Centre, North Road, Cardigan, 4 EV spaces Fairfield / Feidr Fair, Cardigan, 6 EV spaces Cwmins Car Park, Lampeter, 8 EV spaces Rookery Car Park, Lampeter, 6 EV spaces Llandysul Car Park, Llandysul, 4 EV spaces Church Road Car Park, New Quay, 4 EV spaces Rock Street (‘Paragon’) Car Park, New Quay, 4 EV spaces Talbot Yard Car Park, Tregaron, 4 EV spaces Councillor Keith Henson, Cabinet Member for Highways and Environmental Services and Carbon Management, said: “We are extremely proud of how far we have come in tackling the carbon issue facing us all and this work will continue with vigour to ensure that Ceredigion continues to be at the forefront of tackling climate change. This demonstrates the commitment and importance that Ceredigion is putting into this agenda and will hopefully make the decision to transition to EV easier, not just for Ceredigion residents, but also those visiting our wonderful county.” Funding for a third phase of EV charger installations has also been secured and will be delivered during this financial year. You can read more on the plans for further roll-out during 2023-24 in the Council's Ultra-low Emission (ULEV) Strategy and Action Plan: ceredigion.gov.uk/media/12211/ulev-strategy-and-action-plan-2022.pdf. A dynamic leader is being sought to take on the voluntary position of director of horticulture at the Royal Welsh Show, one of Europe’s largest agricultural events.
The promotion of horticulture is one of the key charitable objectives of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) and plans are underway to establish a new Horticultural Village at the 2024 Royal Welsh Show. The village will celebrate all aspects of horticulture in Wales – from community to commercial growing, competitive showing and displays, alongside promoting the health and social benefits of gardening, education and building a resilient supply chain of sustainable Welsh produce. The ethos of the new horticultural village is to ‘inspire, educate and collaborate.’ The village will be a space to inspire by showcasing excellence with competitive exhibits and displays. It will be a place for education and learning by working in partnership with schools and colleges. It will also create an opportunity to collaborate through inclusive social spaces, meeting areas and demonstration stages. Whilst the RWAS is still in the early stages of developing this concept, it envisages a collaborative project where different delivery partners, sponsors and stakeholders can help deliver on this ambitious vision. The society is seeking expressions of interest by Monday, October 9 emailed to chiefexecutive@rwas.co.uk. RWAS chief executive Aled Rhys Jones is happy to have informal talks with potential candidates. |
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