Royal Welsh Show could lose more than £1 million if schools are open during event The Royal Welsh Show could lose more than £1 million if the Welsh Government shortens the school summer holiday in Wales by one week. That’s the stark warning from the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) which is strongly opposed to a new plan to amend school term dates in Wales. The RWAS is urging the public to respond to the Welsh Government’s consultation before the February 12 deadline at https://www.gov.wales/structure-school-year . Under the proposal, schools would be open during the Royal Welsh Show, which traditionally takes place during the first week of children’s summer break. The RWAS has raised the issue with Minister for Education, Jeremy Miles MS, and is collating evidence to support its objection. The show, one of Wales’ major cultural festivals, is a highlight for many families and young people across Wales. Almost 250,000 people visit the largest agricultural event of its kind in Europe. The show pumps more than £40 million into the rural economy and visitors spend around £10 million over the four days. The RWAS says it’s not against the principle of modifying the school year but urges the Welsh Government to reconsider the dates. It wants to ensure that the show is always held during the school summer holiday. “We are extremely concerned about the impact these changes will have, including taking away the ability for young people, families, teachers and school staff to attend the show, which represents a large proportion of our visitors,” said a spokesman. “Thousands of children compete at the Royal Welsh Show each year, in both young farmer competitions and young handler and junior classes. The proposed change would remove the opportunity for them to compete at the show and to learn and showcase their skills. “Preliminary calculations show that the change would lead to a loss of income in excess of £1 million from reduced gate sales, membership and camping revenue. The changes would also lead to reduced attendance, affecting the trade for our exhibitors and catering vendors, not to mention the wider economic impact on the several businesses who benefit from the event both regionally and nationally.” The RWAS is also concerned the change would impact families, volunteers, the Welsh language and culture and the show’s park and ride service which uses school buses out of term time.
0 Comments
Plans unveiled for statutory registration and licensing scheme for visitor accommodation in Wales9/1/2024 Plans to introduce a statutory registration and licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation in Wales have been announced by the Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Dawn Bowden today (Tuesday, January 9) with legislation expected to be introduced to the Senedd before the end of the year.
In a statement from Welsh Government: The registration and licensing scheme is intended to deliver a register of visitor accommodation types and to enable providers to demonstrate compliance with safety and quality requirements. It is intended to enhance the visitor experience and visitor safety expectations in Wales by ensuring anyone who lets out visitor accommodation meets a relevant set of standards. This follows a public consultation, extensive engagement with the sector, as well as a recently published survey that found 89% of visitors considered it important the accommodation they stay in is operating safely. Many parts of the world have already adopted licensing, certification or registration schemes across their visitor accommodation sectors and the Welsh Government has been considering best practice to design one that is simple and easy to use for accommodation providers in Wales. Across the UK, Northern Ireland has had a certification scheme established for all visitor accommodation since 1992, with Scotland having recently introduced a licensing scheme for short term lets. The UK Government is also pursuing a registration approach for short term lets. In Wales, the first phase will be a statutory registration scheme for all accommodation providers, which will – for the first time – provide a register on the broad range of visitor accommodation available across the country and will include details on who is operating in the sector, where they are operating, and how they are operating. Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Dawn Bowden said: “Tourism makes an important contribution to the Welsh economy and to Welsh life so this information will be crucial in helping us better understand the sector, as well as helping to inform future policy decisions at a local and national level. “The visitor economy is changing rapidly, and while the growth of online booking platforms has brought many benefits, there are concerns around compliance with existing requirements and the impact of short-term lets on housing stock and our communities. “I’d like to thank businesses across the visitor economy for the enormous resilience they’ve shown through the unprecedented challenges of recent years. The input from the sector, visitors and communities has been invaluable to our work so far. We will continue this engagement as we develop the scheme.” Once a registration scheme is fully established, the intention is to follow with a licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation. This will initially focus on confirming compliance with safety requirements visitor accommodation providers should already be meeting, before looking at introducing quality standards at a later stage. The Welsh Government’s Co-operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru commits to a statutory licensing scheme for holiday lets as part of a package of measures to address the negative impact second homes and short-term holiday lets can have on the availability and affordability of housing for local people in communities. Designated Member Siân Gwenllian said: “Our plans for a statutory registration and licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation in Wales will help ensure the safety of visitors and seek to enhance the visitor experience. “The plans will also create a more sustainable tourism offer – delivered in line with the needs and concerns of communities, particularly around housing. “This will result in strengthened controls on residential properties operating as short-term holiday lets, leading to greater fair play for all.” The importance of tourism industry collaboration and unity was emphasised by speakers at the annual meeting of an independent organisation that represents around 600 tourism and hospitality business across Mid Wales. The impact of Welsh Government legislation on the industry was one of the main discussion points at a members’ forum which followed the annual meeting of MWT Cymru (Mid Wales Tourism) held at Hafan yr Afon, Newtown on Tuesday. MWT Cymru chairman Rowland Rees-Evans, chief executive Val Hawkins, MBE, and Wales Tourism Alliance chairman Suzy Davies all stressed the need for tourism and hospitality businesses to stay united. Addressing her final annual meeting before retiring next year, Mrs Hawkins outlined MWT Cymru’s role and work, emphasising: “We are here to sell Mid Wales region as a must-visit destination. “We are experienced at working at the interface of the private and public sectors and it’s extremely important that we build on that collaborative approach.” She is keen to expand seasonal and themed offers to attract more visitors during 2024 when MWT Cymru will be rolling out a rewards and incentives project, funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, to support towns and communities in Powys. Mrs Hawkins encouraged businesses to collaborate with MWT Cymru and Visit Wales to attract more international visitors to Mid Wales by offering unique experiences and to focus sharply on customer service and repeat business. “In these uncertain times, the unity and resilience of our business community are more critical than ever,” she added. “Together, we will navigate these challenges and ensure that Mid Wales continues to shine as a leading destination.” Mrs Davies said there were positive signs that the Welsh Government is beginning to listen to the WTA and other industry leaders’ concerns about the cumulative impact of new legislation. The cited examples of how the WTA and others were trying to influence new legislation for the statutory regulation of accommodation providers, a proposed tourism tax and a reduction in the school summer holiday in Wales. “We need to stand together with a united voice and avoid any sense of isolation when representing the tourism industry,” added Mrs Davies, who heads an alliance representing around 6,000 businesses in all sectors of tourism industry across Wales. “What we are doing collectively is working.” Mr Rees-Evans thanked the WTA for its work on behalf of the tourism industry and MWT Cymru staff for keeping members “ahead of the curve” with information about Welsh Government legislation. “Without MWT Cymru, tourism and hospitality businesses in Mid Wales would not have a voice,” he said. “We punch way above our weight in terms of the work we do on behalf of the industry and it’s really important that tourism businesses become members if they want to have an influence.” MWT Cymru re-elected Greg Loweth, business development manager at The Metropole Hotel and Spa, Llandrindod Wells as a Powys trade director. He was joined on the board by Shane Logan, general manager of Powis Castle and Garden, Welshpool. MWT Cymru represents more than 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: info@mwtcymru.co.uk . Rowland Rees-Evans, Mid Wales Tourism’s chairman. Members of the independent tourism organisation for Mid Wales are being urged to attend the annual meeting next week when updates will be given on Welsh Government legislation for the industry. Changes to the tax criteria for self-catering accommodation, a proposed tourism tax and statutory registration of all visitor accommodation in Wales will all be on the agenda at Mid Wales Tourism’s annual meeting at Hafan yr Afon, Newtown on Tuesday, December 5, at 11am. Earlier this year, the Welsh Government changed the tax criteria which allows self-catering accommodation to qualify for business rates instead of council tax. A self-catering property must now be let for a minimum of 182 days to qualify for business rates. Local authorities have the power to triple the council tax premium for accommodation that doesn’t meet the new criteria. The Welsh Government is still consulting about introducing a tourism tax and the registration of all visitor accommodation. Wales Tourism Alliance chairman Suzy Davies will give the latest update on the regulations while Val Hawkins, MBE, Mid Wales Tourism’s chief executive and chairman Rowland Rees-Evans will review the past year and reveal plans for 2024 at a members’ forum which follows the formal annual meeting. “I hope that as many members as possible are able to attend the annual meeting to hear important updates, give their views and help shape the direction of Mid Wales Tourism in the coming year,” she Mrs Hawkins Mid Wales Tourism, also known as MWT Cymru, represents more than 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: info@mwtcymru.co.uk . Speakers at the Mid Wales Tourism Conference. Tourism and hospitality businesses across Mid Wales are being encouraged to work with Visit Wales to bring more international visitors to the region. A sell-out Mid Wales Tourism Conference, held at the Metropole Hotel and Spa, Llandrindod Wells, heard that international tour operators are keen to bring visitors to the region. Recognised for its culture, adventure, landscape, history and heritage, Mid Wales is being marketed by Visit Wales to countries France, Germany, Netherlands, USA and Ireland. “Tour operators need accommodation partners and bookable attractions and experiences in Mid Wales, which have an opportunity to grow international business,” said Val Hawkins, MBE, chief executive of MWT Cymru, which organised the conference. She also encouraged businesses to use the digital platform Tourism Exchange Great Britain and engage with travel media to attract domestic and international visitors. Following the conference, Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Dawn Bowden said: “Mid Wales Tourism’s Annual Conference followed a series of four well attended Visit Wales Industry Roadshows where we heard from businesses and organisations across Wales. “We see a real opportunity to grow international business to Mid Wales. We know the role that tour operators, tourism media and Tourism Exchange Great Britain can play in generating more potential business, especially internationally, which fits our tourism strategy to support seasonality, spread and spend. “We urge interested Mid Wales providers of accommodation, attractions and experiences to work with Visit Wales and Wales-based operators to attract more international visitors.” Steve Hughson, chairman of both the Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum and the Event Wales Industry Advisory Group, highlighted the value of events to the Welsh economy, the tourism and hospitality sectors and local communities. In a rallying call to Mid Wales tourism businesses, he added: “We have a hugely successful offer here, so let’s ensure that we build a strong partnership between tourism, hospitality and rural affairs that makes a positive impact on Mid Wales.” The strong link between tourism and farming, and their importance to the Mid Wales economy and local communities, was also emphasised by Mrs Hawkins. She revealed that MWT Cymru, a not for profit company which represents around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia, has secured funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund for an innovative digital project that is at its infancy. The community-focussed project will seek to incentivise shopping in small, independent, town centre businesses across Powys. Partner towns are now being sought for the pilot project. “There is a strong link between tourism and farming in Mid Wales and if one of these sectors struggles, then it impacts local communities,” said Mrs Hawkins. “The visitor economy is very much linked to local economy and we have looked at how we can better support our local communities to become more sustainable. “MWT Cymru has developed a reputation for being ahead of the game in terms of technology and I would like to think we are doing the same again with this new project which will help not just the tourism industry but small, independent businesses in local towns as well.” Other speakers at the conference, themed ‘Embracing Tomorrow's Tourism: Communities, Innovation and Business’, included Guy Edwards, manager of MWT Cymru’s new project and Charles Symons, co-founder of Buzzmint, who spoke about the opportunities for empowering connected communities and circular economies using Web 3.0. In a section titled ‘Empowering businesses with practical solutions’, Rhys Mullan from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, spoke about fire safety law, Ruth Partridge, WRAP Cymru project manager, spoke about recycling and waste management law changes and Gareth Jones, chartered accountant, spoke about revenue management with some cost saving advice. MWT Cymru chairman Rowland Rees-Evans congratulated Mrs Hawkins on being awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours and thanked her for her hard work for the company over the past 24 years. 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.
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.” |
Categories |