MWT Behind the Scenes Blog - May 2019

In the first of a new series of blog articles called #MWTBehindTheScenes, our MWT Chief Exec Val Hawkins gives us a run-down on just some of the work we've been doing recently to support, represent and lobby for your best interests.

Following our Mid Wales Tourism Conference in February at the Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells, Val attended an event organised by Visit Britain which brought together a consultative group of industry experts at the Celtic Manor to discuss the UK tourism sector deal.

Into March, MWT met with the new Visit Wales Head of Marketing to discuss promotion of the Mid Wales region. We also represented Mid Wales at the Mid Wales Tourism Forum in Newtown, and at the Mid Wales Business Network meeting organised by MWMG and Business Wales. Towards the end of the month, Val attended the Visit Wales Tourism Summit at The Metropole where discussions centred on shaping future priorities for tourism and the wider visitor economy in Wales when the tourism strategy for Wales comes to an end in 2020.

In April MWT met with Aberystwyth University to discuss the possibility of a research and GIS mapping project to help promote the region. We also met with the team behind freetobook, an online booking software provider, to negotiate a reduced rate for MWT members who wish to use the system.

Discussions were also had with MWT web developers about an ongoing programme of enhancements to our Visit Mid Wales website that we have in the pipeline. At the end of the month Val attended a Visit Wales meeting in Swansea to discuss the new TIPF funded ‘This is #RealMidWales’ project which we have successfully secured funding for - more exciting news and updates to follow about this.

It’s also been great to host WASCO (the Wales Association of Self Catering Operators), and The Wales Association of Self Catering Agents who have both held meetings in our board room at our offices in Machynlleth recently.

Last but not least, into May, Val will be representing Mid Wales at the Senedd in Cardiff at the launch event for Wales Tourism Week, and will also attending the reception in Westminster.
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So it’s a busy time! We hope this gives you a flavour of some of the work we do that you don’t necessarily get to hear about - we’ll endeavour to keep you up to date. If you have any questions about our representational role, please contact [email protected]
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