MWT Cymru | The Station | Machynlleth
01654 702653
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​Advocacy That Makes a Difference

We engage with government, cross-sector organisations, and tourism bodies to:
  • Influence policy decisions that affect rural and independent tourism
  • Respond to consultations with real-world feedback from our members
  • Ensure the interests of our region are prioritised, not sidelined
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From tax reform to tourism tech, we make sure Mid Wales is not just included – but heard, represented, and defended.

Without our members, this work wouldn’t happen. We are one of the only independent voices consistently championing the needs of rural businesses in Wales. Your membership enables us to keep going.

Key Representation & Policy Work

​Tourism Levy (Ongoing)

MWT Cymru has consistently voiced member concerns about the potential impact of a Tourism Levy on rural communities. We’ve:
  • Responded to consultations with robust economic evidence
  • Met with MSs, local authorities and Senedd committees
  • Given in-person evidence at the Senedd
  • Argued against the lack of economic case for the levy in rural Wales
Statutory Licensing for Visitor Accommodation (Ongoing)
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We are actively engaged in the Welsh Government’s development of a statutory registration and licensing scheme for all types of visitor accommodation. We:
  • Feed member perspectives directly into the consultation process
  • Push for fair, practical implementation suited to rural operators
  • Keep our members informed of timelines and requirements
1​82-Day Threshold (Self-Catering) (Ongoing)
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We continue to challenge the 182-day threshold introduced for self-catering accommodation, advocating for:
  • Realistic solutions that reflect seasonality in rural Wales
  • Recognition of the difference between small businesses and second homes
  • Ongoing support and legal clarity for affected members
Successful School Year Reform Campaign

We fed into consultations on proposed school term restructuring, successfully helping prevent changes that could have potentially harmed tourism seasonality. We continue to monitor any reintroductions.

Other Ongoing Policy Monitoring

  • Article 5 Regulation (Gwynedd)
  • Short-Term Let licensing proposals
  • Business rates reform
  • EPC requirements for self-catering accommodation

Where We Represent You

Our independence means we are free to speak directly for businesses – without political influence or government constraints. This gives us the freedom to focus entirely on what’s right for our members and our region.

​MWT Cymru is your voice at the table with key industry and policy groups, including:
  • Wales Tourism Alliance
  • Cross Party Group on Tourism (Senedd Cymru)
  • Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum
  • Growing Mid Wales Partnership
  • Caravan & Camping Forum for Wales
  • Transport Forum for Wales
  • Heart of Wales Line Development Group
  • Cambrian Railway Partnership​
  • Bank of England Panel for Wales – where we feed in regional tourism data and insights to shape national economic understanding
  • ​Gwynedd and Eyri Strategic Board
  • Gwynedd & Eyri Tourism Sector Group
Our role in these groups ensures the specific needs of Mid Wales and its independent businesses are not lost in top-down policy making.

Why This Work Matters

We’re being hit with more policy reviews than ever – and their combined impact on rural tourism could be significant. Without a strong voice, small and independent businesses risk being left behind.
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MWT Cymru works cross-sector to:
  • Decode complex policy into clear updates
  • Push back when rural needs are ignored
  • Provide evidence-based, balanced input

H​ow Members Make This Possible

This work doesn’t happen on its own. We don’t receive core government funding – we’re funded by our members.
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Membership means we can:
  • Keep lobbying for fair and informed decisions
  • Continue attending meetings, forums and Senedd hearings
  • Keep Mid Wales on the radar of those in power
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Some assume we’re “just about bookings or marketing.” In reality, advocacy is a major part of what we do – and without your support, rural businesses risk being left behind.
If you want Mid Wales tourism to have a voice, your support matters.
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Join MWT Cymru and help protect the future of our industry.
Join MWT Cymru and be part of a network that stands up for your business, your region, and your future.