MWT Cymru’s retiring chairman Rowland Rees-Evans (left) with his successor, Dylan Roberts, vice chairman Suzy Davies and chief executive Zoe Hawkins. MWT Cymru, which represents around 600 tourism and hospitality member businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia, has elected a new leadership team following the annual meeting on Tuesday. Rowland Rees-Evans, a director of Penrhos Park, Llanrhystud, near Aberystwyth, stood down as chairman after eight years and is now chairman of the Wales Tourism Alliance (WTA). Replacing him is Dylan Roberts, from Bow Street, near Aberystwyth, joint managing director of multi-award-winning Salop Leisure, which has bases in Shrewsbury, Machynlleth and Stourport-on-Severn. New vice chairman is Suzy Davies, who lives near Machynlleth, a former Member of the Senedd who recently stood down after three years as WTA chairman. Mr Roberts told the meeting, held at Nanteos Mansion, near Aberystwyth, he was privileged and honoured to be appointed chairman and said he was delighted to have Mrs Davies as his vice chairman. He praised Mr Rees-Evans for his “tireless work, enthusiasm and commitment” and congratulated him on his new role as WTA chairman. “Suzy brings a wealth of experience from her career, her time in the Senedd and as chair of the WTA,” he added. “She will be the voice of MWT Cymru in most PR matters, collaborating with other sector representatives, trade associations and with our politicians in the Senedd and Westminster. “I will concentrate on offering guidance and assistance to Zoe Hawkins (MWT Cymru chief executive) and her team, ensuring the company continues to serve its members and flourish. “Together, we aim to promote and represent the interests of our members, encouraging development, respecting the environment, culture and communities, where we live and run our businesses and ensuring a thriving tourism economy for Mid Wales.” Having worked for Salop Leisure for 35 years, Mr Roberts is a director of the British Holiday and Home Parks Association (BH & HPA), represents the National Caravan Council on the Caravan and Camping Forum for Wales and is a member of the Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum. Apart from being one of the UK’s leading caravan and motorhome dealerships, Salop Leisure operates 11 caravan holiday parks and four self-catering houses in Mid Wales . “I am passionate about Mid Wales and the tourism offering in Wales,” he added. “We are truly blessed to reside in and be able to welcome visitors to our beautiful region.” He thanked MWT Cymru members for their continued support and appealed to them to act as ambassadors to attract other tourism operators and suppliers into membership. “That way, collectively, we can continue to passionately showcase Mid Wales as a thriving tourism destination which benefits so many other businesses and the whole community,” he said. “Don’t forget, we are all stronger as one voice for Mid Wales.” Mrs Davies also stressed the importance of the tourism sector in Mid Wales speaking with one voice during a challenging time for the industry. “A united voice is far more powerful and without you, there is no voice,” she said. “What we do as an industry really matters.”
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Zoe revealed that MWT Cymru is developing an AI chatbot named Gwen to answer frequently asked questions on the Visit Mid Wales website. She explained: “With more than 3,000 web pages supporting the promotion of our destination, we understand that it can sometimes be challenging to navigate. This is where Gwen is ready to step in, making information easier to find and creating a more conversational approach to marketing our destination.” Plans have also been announced to host the annual Mid Wales Tourism conference in the autumn, with the venue to be confirmed. Additionally, the IMI Wales digital platform, developed last year to connect local businesses in Powys with the region’s thriving tourism sector, will soon be rolled out across Wales. Supported by Powys SPF funding, the platform provides small, independent businesses with affordable, cutting-edge technology to enhance collaboration and improve the visitor experience across towns and local communities in the county. Zoe noted that several Mid Wales Tourism Awards winners will represent the region at the Visit Wales national awards on March 27, and she wished them success. She also highlighted MWT Cymru’s ongoing fight to ensure that three National Resources Wales visitor centres - Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Coed y Brenin and Ynys Las - which attract over 500,000, visitors remain open until replacement operators are found. The closures will be debated in the Senedd on Wednesday, January 22, thanks to Mabon ap Gwynfor, MS for Dwyfor Meirionnydd. Urging Mid Wales tourism businesses to engage with politicians during Wales Tourism Week from May 12-16, Zoe said: “The relentless challenges faced by tourism businesses in recent years - from the Covid pandemic and the 182-day occupation rule for self-catering accommodation to the cost-of-living crisis and the debate around a controversial tourism tax - have tested us. “However, they have also shown the resilience of Mid Wales businesses and the power of collaboration. We cannot face these challenges alone and MWT Cymru will continue to work with the sector, politicians, the wider industry and our communities to ensure that Mid Wales thrives.” Reflecting on her tenure since taking over as chief executive in March last year, she paid tribute to her predecessor, Val Hawkins, MBE, for her outstanding contribution and dedication over 25 years and thanked her for all her support over the last nine months. Zoe, who also runs a tourism self-catering business, said this dual perspective gives her first-hand insight into the daily challenges faced by members. “The rurality of Mid Wales often means that what works in other areas of Wales isn’t always suitable here,” she explained. “This requires a tailored approach to tourism, a message I will continue to champion on behalf of our region and its businesses.” Looking forward, she highlighted the potential for positive narratives in 2025. “The introduction of IMI Wales in Powys offers an exciting opportunity to engage communities and spotlight the benefits of tourism,” she added. She thanked MWT Cymru’s member businesses, colleagues and volunteer directors for their unwavering support, stating: “We cannot do this alone. It’s only through the dedication of staff, directors and the business community that we can advocate for not only our sector, but also the vital role it plays in the rural economy. “Without Mid Wales Tourism, our region would lack unified representation, regional marketing, press and PR co-ordination and daily support for small businesses seeking guidance. The absence of these efforts would profoundly weaken our sector and the broader rural economy. "As members, you act as our eyes and ears on the ground. With the collective power of more than 600 voices, we are stronger, more resilient and committed to building a thriving visitor economy which supports our community and creates a great place to visit, work and live.” MWT will be hosting a webinar for businesses interested in learning more about its work and how they can get involved. The webinar will take place online on January 21, from 10:30 am to 11am. Register at: www.mwtcymru.co.uk/webinar.”
Rowland has been the voice of tourism in Mid Wales through a series of major challenges for the sector, including the Covid pandemic. “The Covid period probably tested us the most but, with the help of our great team at MWT Cymru, we were able to relay all the updated rules and regulations to members in a timely fashion,” he said. “It was also a time when local government was having its budgets cut severely. As always, MWT Cymru has adapted. However, I don't think any of us could have been prepared for all the proposed legislation and consultation work that has been thrown at us in recent years.” He said the Welsh Government’s 182-day occupation rule for self-catering accommodation had caused “untold damage” and new waste management rules were costing businesses more money. “We are now going through the process of licensing, registration and the Visitor Levy,” he added. “This legislation has come at totally the wrong time. “Many businesses are still trying to get back to their 2019 levels of profitability but have faced the cost of living crisis, high interest rates, inflation and rising overhead costs. “However, there is a glimmer of light and hope. The fact that MWT Cymru is still here is positive, especially when we as members could so easily have walked away during this turbulent time. Fortunately, we didn't and we have put our faith in the team at MWT Cymru to help us through these challenging times.” He praised new chief executive Zoe Hawkins and her team for their work, including launching the new IMI Wales rewards and incentives platform, supported by Powys SPF funding. Using Blockchain technology, the platform aims to boost the visitor offer in towns and local communities across Powys. “My sincere thanks go to all the directors I have worked with over the years, as without them my role would have been far more difficult,” he added. A new chairman will be appointed at next week’s meeting when Zoe will give her first report as chief executive, having taken over the role last March. MWT Cymru represents around 600 tourism and hospitality operators across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia. Businesses wishing to join the not for profit, membership organisation are asked to contact Tel: 01654 702653 or email: [email protected] . Mid Wales Tourism Awards winners and finalists with sponsors and officials outside Gregynog Hall. Three businesses had double reason to celebrate this week after collecting two awards each at a prestigious ceremony that recognised the exceptional quality of the Mid Wales tourism and hospitality industry. Fifteen winners were announced at the Mid Wales Tourism Awards 2024-25 held at Gregynog Hall, Tregynon, near Newtown on Tuesday. Some will now represent Mid Wales at the Wales National Tourism Awards next spring. The double winners were Canvas & Campfires, Llanwnnen, Lampeter, Llangoed Hall Hotel, Llyswen, Brecon and Plas Estate, Llangoedmor, Cardigan. Canvas & Campfires was named Best Glamping or Quirky Accommodation and added the Accessibility and Inclusivity Award. Llangoed Hall Hotel won the Best Hotel Award and staff member Abbie Woods was named the Rising Star. Plas Llangoedmor took home the Best B&B, Guesthouse or Inn Award and was named Best Dog Friendly Business. The awards - the first since the Covid pandemic - recognise and celebrate the region’s thriving tourism industry across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Eryri (Snowdonia). They were organised by MWT Cymru (Mid Wales Tourism), with backing from the Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum and Visit Wales, the Welsh Government’s tourism arm. Sponsors were Cambrian Training Company, Powys and Ceredigion County Councils and Visit Wales. The other winners were: Best Holiday Park, Meadow Springs Country and Leisure Park, Trefeglwys. Best Camping or Touring Park, Woodlands Caravan Park, Devil’s Bridge, Aberystwyth. Best Self Catering Business, Bryn Tanat Hall, Llansantffraid. Best Place to Eat and Drink, Y Talbot, Tregaron. Best Event, Royal Welsh Show, Llanelwedd. Best Attraction, Vale of Rheidol Railway, Aberystwyth. Bro y Byd (Environmental Sustainability) Award, The National Showcaves Centre for Wales, Dan yr Ogof, Abercraf. Best Activity, Mountain Bike Wales, Staylittle, Llanidloes. Best Third Sector Business, Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway, Llanfair Caereinion. A Special Recognition Award was presented to Heart of Wales 7’s at Llanidloes Rugby Club, which attracts thousands of visitors. The other finalists were: Best Hotel: Trefeddian Hotel, Aberdyfi. Best B&B, Guest House or Inn: Y Seler, Aberaeron. Best Self Catering Accommodation: Plas Estate, Llangoedmor. Best Place to Eat and Drink: Y Ffarmers, Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn, Aberystwyth. Best Camping or Touring Park: Bargoed Farm Caravan and Camping Park, Llwyncelyn, Aberaeron. Best Glamping or Quirky Accommodation: By the Wye, Hay-on-Wye. Best Holiday Park or Holiday Home Park: Derwen Mill Holiday Park, Guilsfield. Best Activity or Experience: Black Mountain Adventure, Three Cocks, Brecon. Best Visitor Attraction: The National Showcaves Centre for Wales Best Dog Friendly Business: Canvas & Campfire. Best Event: Wonderwool Wales. Rising Star: Gabi Wilson, Cambrian Training Company, Welshpool. A not-for-profit social enterprise, MWT Cymru represents and supports more than 600 tourism businesses and organisations across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Eryri (Snowdonia). Rowland Rees-Evans, MWT Cymru’s chairman, congratulated all the award winners and finalists, saying they were all winners and thanked the sponsors for their support. “We had fantastic entries this year and these awards showcase the best of the best in Mid Wales,” he added. “Hopefully, the winners will go forward and do well in the Wales National Tourism Awards early next year.” Award Winners
Best Hotel: Llangoed Hall Llangoed Hall is a 17th-century hotel featuring 23 uniquely designed bedrooms that blend traditional charm with modern luxury. The award-winning, two rosette restaurant emphasises seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, earning praise from critics and guests alike. Recognised by the Sunday Times as the Country Hotel of the Year on numerous occasions, the hotel is renowned for delivering exquisite service and exceptional attention to detail, creating an unforgettable guest experience. Llangoed Hall is also celebrated for its commitment to promoting local tourism and supporting the community.
Rising Star Award: Abbie Woods
Abbie joined Llangoed Hall in April 2023 as a general assistant, quickly immersing herself in various aspects of hotel operations, including housekeeping, kitchen assistance and restaurant service. Despite having no prior managerial experience, her exceptional dedication and skills saw her promoted to assistant manager within just two weeks. With a Masters Degree in Hospitality and Tourism, she adapted swiftly to her new role, taking on additional responsibilities such as managing the front office, co-ordinating events, overseeing marketing activities and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Her proactive approach and commitment to personal growth, including pursuing further studies in hotel management and HR, have been key to her success. Her resilience in overcoming personal challenges, including significant hardships, underscores her strength and determination. Abbie’s leadership, innovative mindset and passion for fostering an inclusive hospitality environment make her an invaluable asset to the team and a promising leader in the industry. The following statement has been issued by Welsh Government:
"A small contribution that could make a big difference” – Legislation introduced to support a thriving, sustainable tourism industry in Wales A Bill to give local authorities the option to introduce a small visitor levy in their area to re-invest in local tourism, is today introduced by Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford. The Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill proposes that people staying overnight in Wales and enjoying everything the country has to offer will pay a small charge. The money raised will support local tourism activity and infrastructure. The introduction of the legislation marks the delivery of a key Programme for Government commitment and will help to invest in the future of Wales as all visitors staying overnight would contribute to the preservation of the country’s beauty and heritage. It would provide local communities the opportunity to generate additional revenues. If all Welsh local authorities choose to introduce a visitor levy, it is estimated it could generate up to £33m a year. The levy would be set at:
Local authorities will decide if they want to introduce a levy in their area, based on what is best for their communities. It is estimated the earliest this could happen is 2027 after a local authority has consulted their community. Visitor levies are used successfully in many parts of the world, including Manchester, Greece, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal and California. The funds raised are used to support a healthy visitor economy by protecting and investing in the infrastructure and services guests enjoy. Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said: “This Bill is rooted in the principle of fairness. We know tourism makes an important contribution to the Welsh economy and to Welsh life. We want to ensure its long-term sustainability. “That’s why we believe it is fair visitors contribute towards local facilities, helping to fund infrastructure and services integral to their experience. Visitor levies are common around the world, benefiting local communities, tourists and businesses – and we want the same for Wales. “Money raised through a levy would be retained by local authorities and re-invested back into their local areas to support local, sustainable tourism. It’s a small contribution that could make a big difference.” A statutory registration scheme for all accommodation providers is expected to start operating in 2026 to support the collection and administration of a visitor levy. It will include details about who is operating in the sector, where they are operating, and how they are operating, and help establish a better understanding of the sector and support future policy decisions at a local and national level. Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, WLGA Leader, said: "This Bill will give councils the option to introduce a visitor levy on overnight stays. It’s a way to raise extra funds to support local services and improve amenities that benefit both visitors and the community. “Each council will decide how to apply the levy based on what’s best for their area, recognising that it may be suitable in some parts of Wales but not in others. Councils will carefully consider local circumstances and ensure residents are consulted before any decisions are made. “We’re glad to have worked closely with the Welsh Government on this and look forward to seeing the draft legislation in the coming weeks, which will mark an important step forward for Wales' tourism and local economies.”
Some of the award winners will represent Mid Wales at the Wales National Tourism Awards next spring. Award sponsors include Cambrian Training Company, Powys and Ceredigion County Councils and Visit Wales, the Welsh Government’s tourism arm. The finalists include Plas Estate, Llangoedmor, Cardigan who have been shortlisted in three categories and Canvas & Campfires, Llanwnnen, Lampeter, who are competing for two awards. The finalists line-up is: Best Hotel: Llangoed Hall, Llyswen and Trefeddian Hotel, Aberdyfi. Best Bed and Breakfast, Guest House or Inn: Plas Llangoedmor, Plas Estate and Y Seler, Aberaeron. Best Self Catering Accommodation: Bryn Tanat Hall, Llansantffraid and Cottages, Plas Estate. Best Place to Eat and Drink: Y Ffarmers, Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn, Aberystwyth and Y Talbot, Tregaron. Best Camping or Touring Park: Bargoed Farm Caravan and Camping Park, Llwyncelyn, Aberaeron and Woodlands Caravan Park, Devil’s Bridge. Best Glamping or Quirky Accommodation: By the Wye, Hay-on-Wye and Canvas & Campfires. Best Holiday Park or Holiday Home Park: Derwen Mill Holiday Park, Guilsfield and Meadow Spring Country and Leisure Park, Trefeglwys. Best Activity or Experience: Black Mountain Adventure, Three Cocks, Brecon and Mountain Bike Wales, Staylittle, Llanidloes. Best visitor attraction: Vale of Rheidol Railway, Aberystwyth and The National Showcaves Centre for Wales, Abercraf. Best Dog Friendly Business: Canvas & Campfire and Plas Estate. Best Event and Best Third Sector Business: Royal Welsh Show, Wonderwool Wales and Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway. Rising Star: Abbie Woods, Llangoed Hall and Gabi Wilson, Cambrian Training Company, Welshpool. The awards are organised by MWT Cymru (Mid Wales Tourism), with backing from the Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum and Visit Wales. A not-for-profit social enterprise, MWT Cymru represents and supports more than 600 tourism businesses and organisations across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Eryri (Snowdonia). Zoe Hawkins, MWT Cymru’s chief executive, said: “We were delighted to receive more than 100 entries. Due to the high standard, the judges found it difficult to select the finalists which is a testament to the quality and strength of the tourism sector in Mid Wales.” MWT Cymru’s chairman, Rowland Rees-Evans, added: “The Mid Wales Tourism Awards honour the achievements of businesses, organisations and individuals who have shown exceptional dedication to the tourism industry. They provide a platform to promote the unique attractions and businesses that make Mid Wales a remarkable destination.” Steve Hughson, Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum chair, said: “These awards provided an opportunity to celebrate the success of the tourism and hospitality industry sector across Mid Wales and we were delighted with the number and quality of entries. “It was a real challenge for the judging panel to pick the very best to go forward to the Wales National Tourism Awards and showcase the excellent businesses that we have here in Mid Wales.”
MWT Cymru, an independent membership organisation representing around 600 tourism businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia, organised a high level meeting in September with Members of the Senedd, industry leaders and senior NRW officials to discuss the closure plans and their potential impact. During the meeting, MWT Cymru, Mr Hughson and other stakeholders called for interim funding to maintain operations until businesses are found to take over the cafes and shops at the centres. NRW estimated that between £1.2 and £1.4 million would be needed. Miss Hawkins says the three centres attract nearly half a million visitors a year to Mid Wales and are crucial to the local economy and sustainability of rural communities. “While we understand NRW’s reasons for considering closures, opportunities for external management must be explored to ensure continuity and support for the region’s economy,” said Miss Hawkins “If these facilities close, investment in marketing these sites becomes uncertain. What guarantees can NRW provide that visitor numbers will not decrease, impacting towns, businesses and families reliant on this local spending? “If these facilities were run by private businesses facing similar losses through their management, such actions might be understandable. However, as an arm of the Welsh Government, NRW has responsibilities beyond profit. “The socio-economic impact appears to have been overlooked, with potentially serious consequences. With more visitors to these sites than the combined population of Ceredigion and Gwynedd, it’s clear that closures could have significant economic repercussions.” Mr Hughson said he was disappointed that NRW had not agreed to the sensible solution of keeping open café and shop facilities at the visitor centres until businesses could be found to take them over. “We hoped that there was room for further negotiation to find a long term, sustainable solution and, in particular, to avoid the centres being closed,” he added. “We wanted to ensure continuity, but hopefully they will still be able to find third parties to run these centres. It’s important that they stay open. “It seems that the centres will still be open to some extent under the proposals announced by NRW, so I would like to know how much will they be saving by closing the cafés and shops? “The centres will still need to be well maintained and safe if they are open to the public. They make a great contribution to the Mid Wales tourism industry as they attract people who go on to visit other attractions in the region. “I would like to know how these closures fit in with the Welsh Government’s target for growth.” MWT Cymru is lobbying local Members of the Senedd, Elin Jones, Ceredigion and Mabon ap Gwynfor, Dwyfor Meirionnydd to put pressure on the Welsh Government and NRW to delay the closures. At a Ceredigion Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday 03 September 2024, the Cabinet agreed to support the undertaking of a consultation process on the proposals for charging for parking along parts of Aberystwyth promenade.
The scheme is designed to better manage parking demand within Aberystwyth and encourage use of the Council’s off-street car parks for parking demand that would be more appropriately met through off-street car park provision. This will be achieved by a balance of adjusting existing parking policy in respect of the location, availability and relative cost of parking between on street and off-street provision through reduced cost seasonal off-street options. The introduction of on-street parking charges will sustain the costs of operation of the proposed scheme. Should any surplus income be achieved, it would be used to support funding of other essential public services provided by Ceredigion County Council which fall within the scope of what is permitted under Section 55 of the RTRA 1984. It is considered that sufficient spare parking capacity exists within Ceredigion County Council and private off-street car parks (including those to be developed) and other regulated on street locations and the displacement of parking is therefore not anticipated as a potential negative outcome of this scheme. Some of the benefits from the scheme are:
Blue Badge holders would be exempt from charges and any time restrictions when parking in a charged for space subject to them displaying their Blue Badge in the prescribed manner. This exemption already applies in respect of limited waiting bays and therefore there would be no effective change or detrimental impact from the scheme in relation to on-street parking for blue badge holders. Councillor Keith Henson, Ceredigion’s Cabinet Member responsible for Highways, said: “Aberystwyth promenade is a valuable location at the centre of the town. The purpose of the scheme is to create a turnover of traffic to enable more cars to come and go without negatively affecting the county's economy. Soon, the consultation process on the proposals put forward will begin so please make sure you respond to the consultation.” A consultation process on the proposals put forward will commence shortly and as part of this there will be an opportunity for stakeholders, including residents, businesses/staff, and visitors to share their views. Further details will be provided in due course. Findings of the consultation will be reported to Cabinet prior to any decision in relation to the implementation of the proposal.
The categories are: Best Hotel, Best B&B, Best Guest Accommodation, Restaurant with Rooms or Inn, Best Self Catering, Best Camping or Touring Park, Best Holiday Park or Holiday Home Park, Best Glamping / Quirky Accommodation, Best Activity, Experience or Tour, Best Visitor Attraction, Best Event, Best Place to Eat or Drink, Best Restaurant, Best Third Sector Award, Best Dog Friendly Business and Rising Star. The Rising Star category allows public nominations and is open to entrepreneurial, professional and business talents of any age making significant strides in the industry. All other categories require direct entries from businesses or organisations. Winners and finalists from the majority of categories will have the opportunity to represent Mid Wales at the Wales National Tourism Awards in spring 2025. The category finalists will be announced in November. Exclusive headline and category sponsorship opportunities are available, offering businesses a chance to elevate their profile and demonstrate their support for the Mid Wales tourism sector. The awards are organised by MWT Cymru (Mid Wales Tourism), with backing from the Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum and Visit Wales, the Welsh Government’s tourism team. A not-for-profit social enterprise, MWT Cymru represents and supports over 550 tourism businesses and organisations across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia. Steve Hughson, Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum chair, said: “These awards present an exciting opportunity to showcase the very best of what Mid Wales has to offer to a wider audience. They also offer a chance to celebrate excellence and innovation within the tourism, leisure and hospitality sector, the second largest employer in Mid Wales.” MWT Cymru’s chairman, Rowland Rees-Evans, said: “The Mid Wales Tourism Awards honour businesses, organisations and individuals who have shown exceptional achievement and dedication to the tourism industry. “This is our chance to promote the unique attractions and businesses that make Mid Wales a remarkable destination. I encourage everyone in the sector to participate, promote, or sponsor.” Tourism leaders in Mid Wales are calling for an urgent meeting with Deputy First Minister Huw Iranca-Davies and regional Members of the Senedd and MPs to discuss way of saving three Natural Resources Wales (NRW) visitor centres.
The NRW is planning to close the popular visitor centres at Bwlch Nant yr Arian and Ynyslas near Aberystwyth, and Coed y Brenin near Dolgellau with the loss of around 260 jobs to address a £13 million budget shortfall. Now Zoe Hawkins, chief executive of MWT Cymru, the region's largest independent tourism organisation representing over 550 businesses, is joining forces with Steve Hughson, Mid Wales Tourism Forum chairman and Suzy Davies, Wales Tourism Alliance (WTA) chairman, to call for an urgent meeting with politicians and the NRW. They are seeking a solution to save the visitor centres, whether it requires a U-turn by the NRW, extra funding from the Welsh Government or finding different operators to keep the doors open. They insist that the centres must remain open until a solution is found. The Deputy First Minister is being invited because the NRW is in his portfolio as Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, together with Ken Skates, Minister for North Wales. Also being invited are Mabon ap Gwynfor and Liz Saville-Roberts, MS and MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, respectively, Elin Jones and Ben Lake, MS and MP for Ceredigion, respectively, Clare Pilman, NRW chief executive and Eifion Evans and Dafydd Gibbard, chief executives of Ceredigion and Gwynedd County Councils, respectively. Tourism is the second largest employer in Mid Wales, playing a vital role in supporting towns, communities and families in Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Eryri (Snowdonia). MWT Cymru members have expressed their concerns, describing the decision to close the visitor centres, which attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, as another blow to the rural economy. “Mid Wales is a rural area with a delicate economy and decisions like this can have far-reaching consequences,” said Miss Hawkins. “It’s essential that NRW carefully considers the impact on our communities and finds new management partners to secure the future of these centres. “We understand the need for cost-cutting, but it’s crucial that these decisions are made with full consideration of their impact on our region. Our communities rely on the tourism that these centres generate and closing them without a clear plan for the future is deeply concerning. “There is a need for thoughtful decision-making that takes account of the specific needs and vulnerabilities of rural areas like Mid Wales.” Mr Hughson added: “Whilst I understand the business need for efficiency, I am surprised, particularly in the case of Bwlch Nant yr Arian, that it is a loss-making enterprise, as it always seems very busy and a great attraction for Mid Wales. “The wider community benefits of employment in a rural area and the contribution these visitor centres make to the tourism sector and wider economy throughout the year - not just during peak season - must not be overlooked. “Importantly, if the decision is to close, I would ask NRW to keep the centres open until a new owner is found, as business continuity is key. Once closed, we could lose this valuable asset forever.” Mrs Davies said the WTA is urgently seeking information about visitor numbers at the three centres and the running costs. “The NRW must not make a final decision about the future of these centres until we get all these facts and explore all options for keeping them open,” she insisted. |
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