After finding that hotel room occupancy rates in North Wales have remained stagnant since 2016, and that there has been little improvement since figures were first recorded in 2014, Janet Finch-Saunders, Assembly Member for Aberconwy, has spoken again of the ineffectiveness of the Welsh Government’s marketing strategy through Visit Wales.
Janet said:
“North Wales attracts visitors from all over the world, and has received international praise, to such an extent that it was named by Lonely Planet as one of the top ten regions in the world to visit in 2017, and celebrated by pacific tourists in 2015 when Conwy was voted one of the prettiest towns in Europe.
“With such accolades being achieved, beautiful scenery, and excellent attractions on offer I remain astounded by the fact that the industry does not seem to be growing from strength to strength.
“Last month, I found that there was a 1.77 million reduction in the number of overnight visits by GB residents choosing to holiday here between January and September 2017, in comparison to the same period in 2016, and now I have found that the average hotel tourism occupancy rate has been stagnant in North Wales since 2016.
“The crux of the problem here is the Welsh Government’s marketing strategy through Visit Wales. Having visited a number of tourist businesses in Aberconwy, I have found complaints being made such as about the ineffectiveness of the thematic years approach. Indeed, why on earth promote Wales based on a different theme every year, when resources would be better spent creating one clear, strong, and continuous global plan?
“Again, I find myself having to reiterate that it is time for the Welsh Government to allow an industry-led approach to the visitor economy and its promotion, and pursue innovative ideas to boost our regional tourist industry, such as my proposal of Manchester Airport being made the global gateway to Snowdonia National Park”.
ENDS
Notes
Lonely Planet puts North Wales #4 in 2017 best places to visit
Conwy's 'must visit' Japanese status will put North Wales on Pacific nation's tourist map
Concerns over reduction of overnight stays in Wales
North Wales tourism can “Boom with Brexit”
Overnight visits by GB residents, 12 month rolling average
Manchester Airport - Conwy Valley: AM calls for better rail connectivity
