Tourism is booming in Aberconwy and North Wales.
During recess I am taking time to visit hospitality businesses virtually and in person. Last week, I had a brilliant food and drink tour of the constituency, tasting some the delicacies at Plas Maenan Country House, Tu Hwnt l'r Bont café in Llanrwst, White Tower Greek Restaurant in Llandudno, and the Ty Gwyn pub in Rowen. Despite the increased pressure with the North Wales set to overtake Devon and Cornwall as the most popular holiday destination this summer, I can state from first-hand experience that the professionalism and standards of the businesses are exceptional.
We really should be proud of our food offering here in Aberconwy. In fact, last week I had the great privilege of presenting Colin and Charlotte Bennett of Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard, along with their daughters, with a Bronze Medal certificate, following the news that their Solaris 2019 Welsh wine had scored a remarkable 89 points at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2021!
The event was also attended by the High Sheriff of Clwyd, J. S. Thomas Esq., television personality and Welsh farmer, Gareth Wyn Jones, Member of the UK Parliament for Aberconwy, Robin Millar MP, and representatives of other local businesses. This success builds on recent medals won at the International Wine Challenge for their Pefriog and Solaris products, as well as winning the Local Food and Drink Class for Wales in the prestigious Countryside Alliance Awards. I was most pleased to have nominated the vineyard for the later decoration due to its immense economic contribution to our area.
Whilst I encourage residents to raise a glass of their award-winning product, or Tu Hwnt I’r Bont’s refreshing tea, to toast the sector’s continued success, I can assure you that I am taking steps to help tackle some of the challenges facing the sector.
I know that many local businesses are still struggling to recruit staff in the numbers required so that they can deliver their service to the standards they desire. In fact, a recent survey by UK Hospitality of 350 businesses operating tens of thousands of venues found that 100% of businesses have vacancies: mainly front-of-house (84%), non-head chefs (67%) and kitchen porters (36%).
With this dilemma in mind, last week I held a virtual hospitality forum in which we heard from industry stakeholders. I also recognise that staff shortages may be a potentially longer-term problem, which is why I also invited the Principal of Coleg Llandrillo, Lawrence Wood, to hear how we can better support an uptake in T-Levels and specialised vocational learning.
The hospitality and retail sectors provide rewarding job opportunities to many local families and young people. They are the perfect setting to learn essential life skills, including teamwork, customer service and time management. By collaborating with industry professionals, we can ensure that there is a conversational reset so that these facts are better recognised.
Whilst the recess is providing time to get out and about in the constituency, I remain readily available should you require any assistance. Please do get in touch by emailing [email protected] or by telephoning 01492 871198.
Photo: Absolutvision/UnSplash
