The award of an MBE in the King’s official birthday honours list to a prominent figure in the Mid Wales tourism industry is richly deserved, says the chairman of MWT Cymru. Rowland Rees-Evans, a director of Penrhos Park, Llanrhystud, says he’s delighted that the excellent work of Val Hawkins, chief executive of Machynlleth-based MWT Cymru (Mid Wales Tourism), has been recognised after 24 years’ service. The MBE recognises Val’s service to tourism and the economy of Wales. “We at MWT Cymru are absolutely delighted and thrilled that Val has been recognised for the excellent work she has done over the last 24 years for the tourism industry in Mid Wales and Wales as a whole,” said Rowland. “Her MBE is richly deserved. “On behalf of MWT Cymru board and members, we appreciate greatly the work she has done and continues to do to support member businesses. Val and her small team were truly exceptional during the Covid pandemic in getting information out to members across Mid Wales which was very important at a very challenging time. “Val is respected across the whole of Wales for the important work she does to support the tourism sector, ensuring that the voice of Mid Wales is heard at government level.” MWT Cymru, which has a team of four full and part-time staff, is an independent tourism organisation representing 600 tourism and hospitality member businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia. Val thanked the MWT Cymru directors and staff she has worked with over the years and member businesses and community groups for their support. “I am part of a business community and, for a rural region, we collectively punch way above our weight,” she said. “Our strength lies in being a small but flexible and agile team which allows us to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.” Val, who lives in Newtown, was born in Glasgow and joined Mid Wales Tourism as membership manager in June, 1999. She was promoted to general manager in 2005-‘06, a job title that developed to chief executive. Widely respected across the tourism industry, MWT Cymru has built strong relationships with Visit Wales, Visit Britain and trade organisations across Wales.
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Extract from the survey introduction. Meet In Wales develops and promotes Wales as a leading business events destination and they are currently undertaking a review of Business Events products and skills in Wales. To take part in the survey, go to: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/MeetInWales-Survey The survey is anonymous and should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. If you would like to undertake an in-depth one-to-one session with the research team via a telephone or a Teams/Zoom call, please indicate in your survey response. The survey will close at 9am Monday 26th June. For more information about the Meet In Wales Destination Review 2023, go to: https://businesswales.gov.wales/tourism/meet-wales-destination-review-2023
“I am surprised but delighted to have been recognised with an MBE,” she said. “I am proud of the work I have done as an officer of MWT Cymru over the past 24 years, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic when a lot of good people in the industry pulled together to try to mitigate the impact on tourism businesses through that extremely challenging time. “I must thank the MWT directors and staff I have worked with over the years and our member businesses and community groups for their support. I am part of a business community and, for a rural region, we collectively punch way above our weight. “Our strength lies in being a small but flexible and agile team which allows us to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.” Val, who lives in Newtown, was born in Glasgow and worked in the hotel sector in Scotland, including the famous Gleneagles Hotel, before becoming Rowntree Mackintosh’s first female sales representative in Scotland. The sales role led her to England’s South Coast where she met her husband, Mike Hawkins. The couple moved to their current Newtown home on Christmas Eve 1979 when Mike’s parents retired from the farm. Whilst raising their three daughters, Val ran a farm guest house at their home for 10 years before she joined Mid Wales Tourism as membership manager in June, 1999. Working with a range of partners, she secured European funding for a successful training project for Powys tourism businesses and communities and was promoted to general manager in 2005-‘06, a job title that developed to chief executive. During her time at Mid Wales Tourism, now known as MWT Cymru, Val and her team have helped to guide the organisation and its member businesses through a series of major challenges. “Shortly after joining MWT, the Foot and Mouth crisis hit our sector and Welsh Government re-structuring in 2001 was particularly challenging at a time when huge digital advances were revolutionising tourism marketing,” explained Val. “More recently, the Covid-19 pandemic and the current cost of living crisis have been extremely challenging for our businesses.” Val helped to develop and implement pioneering digital technology, with Mid Wales becoming one of the first UK regions to have a destination management system and launched the first Visit Mid Wales regional website in 2001, which expanded to cover the whole of Wales. Widely respected across the tourism industry, MWT Cymru has built strong relationships with Visit Wales, Visit Britain and trade organisations across Wales. “It has been a bit of a rollercoaster, with a new challenge around every corner,” added Val. “We are constantly having to think three years ahead, guided by the Welsh Government’s policies. “As an organisation at the interface of the public and private sector, it’s often an uncomfortable place to sit and requires soft diplomacy and a lot of hard work behind the scenes, which is more my style. “I started with Mid Wales Tourism at the time of the digital revolution which was a big change for society as a whole. Due to my passion for technology, we have managed to stay ahead of the curve and create new opportunities for our members. “I am proud that we bring together businesses, local communities and national organisations here in Mid Wales which has helped to reinforce the position and reputation of MWT Cymru.” Scams targeting the hospitality sector: An update from the Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales15/6/2023 Analysis of crime reports from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) reveals that the hospitality sector is increasingly being targeted by criminals impersonating IT providers.
Typically, fraudsters will call restaurants and hotels purporting to be a representative of the company that provides their reservation or booking system. The criminals will try to convince the employee to reveal their login details, often under the guise that it’s required in order to complete an important software installation. Once an attacker gains access to a business’ computer systems, they will steal any customer data they come across, this will often include databases of customer names and contact details. This data will then be used to perpetrate targeted phishing scams that are highly convincing. For example, victims have reported receiving calls from people impersonating a restaurant or hotel they have a reservation with. The caller requests a payment from the victim claiming that it’s required in order to confirm their reservation. How to protect your business
Director of the Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales Montgomery Canal Plans for the future and the benefits a revived canal can offer Shropshire and Powys will be discussed at the annual Montgomery Canal Forum later this month. The forum, which is open to the public, will be hosted at the Aico Centre of Excellence, Maesbury Road, Oswestry on Wednesday, June 21, at 2.30pm. Presentations will highlight recent events, which include a new section of canal opened to Crickheath, Montgomery Canal Triathlon, the ongoing reconstruction of Schoolhouse Bridge, last bridge blockage in Shropshire and initial works in Powys of a multi-million pound restoration programme supported by the UK Government Levelling-Up Fund. Michael Limbrey, Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust chairman, said: “Our ambition is to extend the canal through the final two miles in Shropshire and then through to Welshpool and beyond. “Experience across the country shows that canals bring social, environmental and economic benefits to their area. These benefits are integral to the strategy for the Montgomery Canal. “A safe space for recreation and well-being will provide opportunities for visitors and residents which will benefit the local economy. “The substantial investment in canalside nature reserves near Queen's Head will be matched in Powys to safeguard rare and protected wildlife. Maintenance will ensure water continues to flow and the canal is not blocked with aggressive plants. “Rebuilt bridges on both sides of the border will make it easier for walkers and others at crossings which have blocked the canal for many years. “In Shropshire, the volunteer work parties which rebuilt the canal channel to Crickheath – finishing on budget and on time – have started work on the next section. “The support they received from the National Lottery Heritage Fund has now finished and the Restore the Montgomery Canal! appeal is raising money to pay for materials and plant hire. “Donations for the Schoolhouse Bridge project show how much people right across the country value what’s special about the Montgomery Canal and we hope that that support will continue for the next stage.” The forum is organised by Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust, formed in 1980 to bring together the public and voluntary organisations interested in the future of the Montgomery Canal. Award-winning actors and TV canal stars Timothy West and Prunella Scales are supporting a new £250,000 appeal to restore the next section of the Montgomery Canal. Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust chose the opening of the canal’s recently restored section, to Crickheath, near Oswestry, to launch the new Restore the Montgomery Canal! Appeal. West and Scales who said: “Volunteers working on the very special Montgomery Canal have successfully restored the canal to Crickheath on time and on budget. “Generous supporters’ donations have funded the reconstruction of Schoolhouse Bridge, the last highway blockage in Shropshire. With just two miles derelict in England, can you now help the volunteers to reopen more of the canal towards the Welsh border?” Michael Limbrey, Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust chairman, said: “For the first time for more than 80 years there were boats at Crickheath Basin, some of them even from the working days of canals. “It was a day to celebrate the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Canal & River Trust and particularly the effort of volunteer work parties over many years. “Having brought the canal to Crickheath, the volunteers have already started work on the next section. There is no lottery support for this so we are asking anyone who can to help reopen more of this special canal by supporting our latest Restore the Montgomery Canal! appeal. “I am delighted to say that the appeal got under way on the day of the Crickheath opening with a generous donation from a supporter of £1,000 which was increased by 25% through Gift Aid. “Half a mile from our celebrations, contractors are working on the reconstruction of Schoolhouse Bridge, the last highway blockage in Shropshire. This project, funded by private donations from across the country, is part of just two miles of dry canal, all that is now left to restore in Shropshire. “This work in Shropshire will complement substantial projects in Powys where UK Government Levelling-Up funding will build bridges so towpath users no longer have to dash across the road where the canal is blocked. “The funding will also create new canalside nature reserves to replicate the special habitat and safeguard rare and special flora and fauna and restore the canal channel where it is in water but not capable of use. “There are so many success stories around our canal network of reopened canals that add to the visitor economy, the conservation of plants and wildlife, safe towpaths for recreation and well-being and historic structures from our first transport network. “They all bring social, environmental and economic benefits and we are keen to see those benefits here in the borderland of Shropshire and Wales.” The opening ceremony marked the completion of restoration to Crickheath, near Oswestry, adding add a further 1.5 miles to the national canal network. North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan and Shropshire Council leader Councillor Lezley Picton, with other VIPs, travelled the newest section to the new terminus at Crickheath Basin. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, volunteers of the Shropshire Union Canal Society (SUCS) cleared, shaped and lined a length of canal that had been dry and derelict for many years and contractors for the Canal & River Trust constructed a new basin where boats can turn. Lezley Picton commended the work of the volunteers from all over the country. “They all have one thing in common, which I imagine quite a few of us here have in common as well, which is we absolutely love this canal,” she said before unveiling a plaque with the MP. Other speakers included David Carter, SUCS chairman and Crickheath project leader, Richard Parry, Canal & River Trust chief executive, National Lottery Heritage Fund trustee Julian Glover and John Dodwell, Montgomery Canal Partnership chairman. The opening coincided with news of further funding for the Montgomery Canal. A grant of £7,531 has been awarded from National Grid’s Community Matters Fund for towpath improvements which will benefit people who use the canal towpath south of Oswestry. The celebrations concluded on June 3 when SUCS volunteers, following a tradition of the 1800s when navvies were rewarded with a barrel of beer, celebrated with a barrel of Navigation Ale sponsored by Monty’s Brewery from Montgomery. Restore the Montgomery Canal! is promoted by the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust with the Friends of the Montgomery Canal, SUCS and Inland Waterways Association’s Shrewsbury District and North Wales branch. Montgomery Canal Forum, which is open to the public, will be held at 2.30pm on Wednesday, June 21, hosted by Aico, Maesbury Road, Oswestry.
“I am looking forward to the new challenge,” said Mike, who lives in Crew Green, near Shrewsbury. “As a business, we constantly strive to deliver first class customer service which is why we are always proud to get previous customers recommending us to their friends and family.
“We were delighted to win another national award that relies on votes from those customers, earlier this year. Our aim is to maintain and, wherever possible, improve the high level of customer service that we provide. “Despite a challenging economic climate, I believe the staycation boom, which began during the Covid-19 pandemic, will continue. “Many people are still looking to invest in touring caravans, motorhomes and caravan holiday homes which will allow them and their families to escape for a holiday or short break anytime they wish.” He says 2023 will be a year of consolidation and organic growth within the business, which has more than 200 employees. “The company is run like a family business and we are lucky to have loyal and talented employees who tend to stay with us for many years because it’s a great place to work,” he added. Away from work, Mike plays for Guilsfield Cricket Club. Salop Leisure supplies caravans and luxury lodges to 250 holiday home parks across the Heart of England and Mid Wales. In addition, the company has this year launched Salop Leisure Innovative Solutions, a special projects division that works with partners to maximise the retail opportunities presented by booming demand for glamping and staycation holidays. Salop Leisure also owns Love Plants, a specialist plants centre that celebrated its 10th birthday at Easter and Love Coffee restaurant at its Shrewsbury headquarters and the neighbouring multi-award-winning Love2Stay touring and glamping resort. The Blue Flag beach at Aberporth.
The chief executive of regional tourism organisation MWT Cymru has congratulated Ceredigion County Council for having 14 of its beaches recognised in this year’s Wales Coast Awards. Five of Ceredigion’s most popular beaches will be flying Blue Flags once again in 2023, while a further nine in the county have also made a splash in the awards organised by Keep Wales Tidy. The Blue Flag beaches are Borth, Aberystwyth South, Llangrannog, Tresaith and Aberporth. The four beaches achieving Seaside Award status are Aberystwyth North, New Quay Harbour, Traeth y Dolau, New Quay and Clarach. Completing the accolades are Green Coast Award winners New Quay Traeth Gwyn, Cilborth, Llanrhystud, Mwnt and Penbryn. New Quay Traeth Gwyn is new to the awards list this year. Beaches achieving Blue Flag and Green Coast award status must meet the highest “excellent” water quality standard and are judged for the provision of facilities for beach users and for demonstrating good management and safety provision. The Seaside Award recognises beaches that have an overall “Good” standard of water quality, public facilities, safety provision and management. Val Hawkins, chief executive of MWT Cymru, said: “Congratulations to the award winning beaches and Ceredigion County Council for maintaining such a high standard again to benefit both local residents and visitors alike. “It’s great to see New Quay Traeth Gwyn beach joining the list of Green Coast Award winners this year. Ceredigion is such an important tourist destination and marine wildlife haven, known for its bottle nose dolphins and a particularly scenic and spectacular section of the Wales Coast Path. *I endorse the appeal made by Keep Wales Tidy for everyone visiting our wonderful beaches along the Mid Wales coast to respect the environment and not leave litter.” Keep Wales Tidy gave 51 coastal areas Wales Coast Awards for achieving exceptional standards. A recent survey by Keep Wales Tidy found that the Blue Flag is most associated with good water quality and beach cleanliness. The survey indicated that awareness of the Blue Flag award in Wales is still very high. More than 75% of businesses located near Blue Flue beaches believe that the award attracts visitors to the area. Seeking to inspire everyone to protect the environment, Keep Wales Tidy is appealing to everyone visiting Wales’ award-winning beaches and marinas to be responsible by taking their litter home and make memories not mess. “Some of the world’s best beaches are right here on our doorstep,” said Owen Derbyshire, Keep Wales Tidy chief executive. “These awards are a tribute to the hard work and dedication of those who strive to maintain and enhance the natural splendour of our coastline. “However, with the privilege of enjoying these breathtaking landscapes comes the responsibility to protect and preserve them. Let us all pledge to do our part by respecting the environment and keeping our beaches clean and litter-free. “Together, we can ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience the wonder of Wales' coast.”
In total, the cruise calls for 2023 will see more than 80,000 passengers and 39,000 crew visiting Wales, which equates to a potential passenger day spend income of £8.3 million for the Welsh economy.
Queen Victoria (QV), which carries 2,061 passengers and 981 crew, is a Vista-class cruise ship operated by the Cunard Line. She was the first ship to feature West End style theatre boxes within its three storey Royal Court Theatre, which can seat 800 guests. Meanwhile, the library onboard Queen Victoria, which is home to around 6,000 books, spans two decks and is linked by a spiral staircase. Elsewhere on the ship, guests will find various luxury restaurants, bars, swimming pools and an open air sports deck. Cunard’s Queen Victoria is carrying passengers from 28 different nationalities on a cruise of the UK and Ireland. Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Dawn Bowden, said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to officially welcome the MS Queen Victoria’s passengers, the Captain and crew to Wales. “It’s excellent news that we’re seeing such significant growth in the number of cruise calls to Wales this year. We’ve been working closely with businesses in the tourism sector to ensure visitors see the very best Wales has to offer. “I hope we can look to further growth and welcome ships like Queen Victoria back to Wales again next year.” During the call in Holyhead, the passengers were offered a variety of tours and trips, which included Anglesey's beautiful coastline and the fabulous Ffestiniog railway and Welsh countryside. Over 800 passengers took the opportunity to go on a tour and explore more of Wales, as well as independent guests exploring the local area. A Cunard spokesperson said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Queen Victoria is sailing to Wales as part of our 12-night British Isles voyage. With its spectacular scenery and history stretching back to Neolithic times, a port call to Holyhead is the perfect stepping stone to postcard-pretty villages and charming countryside, with the stunning glacial landscapes of Snowdonia National Park just a short trip away.” Anglesey Council Leader and Economic portfolio holder, Councillor Llinos Medi said: “The cruise industry brings thousands of visitors from around the world to the international Port of Holyhead year on year, which provides significant economic benefits for Anglesey and North Wales. “The County Council continues to work in partnership with Welsh Government, Regional Partners, Holyhead Town Council and port owners, Stena Line, to attract more cruise liners and ensure that the Island and region’s tourism sector is able to provide the best possible offer for passengers. “We are eager to enhance the local welcome and experience for visitors when they arrive in Holyhead but are limited by the financial support which is available.” She added: “We’re enjoying another bumper year in terms of cruise ship visits with more than 50 expected to dock at Holyhead. This includes the MS Queen Victoria, her crew and passengers, all of which we look forward to welcoming for the first time to Holyhead and Wales.” Read the announcement in full on Gov.Wales. A regional survey has been launched by public sector partners to seek views from people across Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Powys about the experiences they, and others may have, when accessing a range of public services from housing to health.
Feedback will inform work around equality from 2024 until 2028 and how people with protected characteristics are affected or treated when accessing services provided by the sector. The survey focuses on key areas like education, housing, health, crime, leisure and access to the coast and countryside. It asks people to rate their own experiences of these services and their perceptions of the experience that other people in our society may have. All public bodies have to produce a Strategic Equality Plan setting out how they will ensure services they provide are accessible to all residents and service users irrespective of their age, gender, sexuality, religion or disability. There are nine protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010. The Equality and Human Rights Commission have published a report called ‘Is Wales Fairer’ (2018) which sets out the state of the nation when looking at the more vulnerable groups in society. The survey uses the key areas listed in the report as a focus. Each public sector body has a duty to:
Alongside the survey, each region will engage with particular community groups that represent and advocate for some of the less heard groups like LGBTQ or re-settled refugees. Local authorities along with Powys Teaching Health Board, Hywel Dda University Health Board, Dyfed Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire & Rescue Service, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park Authority and the Police and Crime commissioner, have collaborated to create the survey. The online survey is live until 30 July 2023, and is available here: carmarthenshire.welcomesyourfeedback.net/s/SEP2023 Councillor Catrin M S Davies is the Council Cabinet Member responsible for Equalities. She said: “Everyone should express their opinion and contribute towards this important survey. Your comments will help ensure that equality is at the heart of the Authority’s work. It’s your chance to have your say.” Strategic Equality Plan Survey Paper copies and versions in other formats are available in all Ceredigion libraries and leisure centres, including the mobile library vans. If you need to get in touch with us or need information in other formats, contact us on 01545 570881 or partnerships@ceredigion.gov.uk. |
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