Janet Finch-Saunders AM is calling on the Welsh Government to commit to key pledges to support Aberconwy’s tourism industry as it faces a ‘Brexit boom’.
Tourism in Wales contributes over £6.2billion to Welsh GDP and over 172,000 jobs, whilst Brexit promises to build on this further as it brings major opportunities for economic growth to North Wales.
The Assembly Member for Aberconwy is supporting calls from over 7,000 members of the Wales Tourism Alliance (WTA).
Janet said:
“Since the Brexit referendum we have seen the number of tourists visiting Wales for the day rocket. Brexit really does mean bigger business for North Wales tourist industry.
“However, with less than 6% of day visits in the UK spent in Wales, it is clear that the Welsh Government and Visit Wales is not enabling this breath-taking country’s tourist industry to reach its full potential. Whilst Visit Scotland has around a £55 million budget, the Welsh Government spend on marketing through Visit Wales comes to just £10 million.”
A consultation of tourism businesses in Wales found that 83% agreed that not enough is spent on marketing Wales.
The Member continued:
“It’s time for change: the Welsh Government must reduce its control of Visit Wales to allow an industry-led approach to the visitor economy.
“We listen to the industry, support it, and let it lead the way.
“Like WTA, I have and continue to call on the Welsh Government to address the unfairness of the staggering increase in business rates, and to roll out superfast broadband to 100% of premises in Wales.
“The platform is set for North Wales with this amazing region having been named by Lonely Planet as one of the top ten regions in the world to visit this year. Now the Welsh Government should listen to calls from the sector and the Welsh Conservatives to help our tourism industry to perform at its best”.
ENDS
Notes:
The number of tourists visiting Wales for the day rose from 73.3 million in February 2016 to 108.4 million in February 2017. Whilst cash spent during visits to Wales has increased from £3,257.7 million to £4,140.0 million over the same period.
5.8% of all tourist day visits in the United Kingdom were in Wales in February 2017.
The Prime Minister has stated that Brexit will create growth opportunities for UK tourism.
A number of hotels in the area, especially Snowdonia National Park, hotels are currently unable to have fibre broadband.
Tourism businesses in Aberconwy face huge business rate increases.