Janet Finch-Saunders is today calling for a rejuvenated visit Wales campaign in the hope to see millions of visitors return to Wales following the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Shadow Minister for Climate Change has maintained her pressure on the Welsh Government to scrap plans to introduce a ‘tourism tax’ which could dissuade visitors at a time when local businesses desperately need the footfall. Sighting the Italian city of Venice which has recently introduced a new form of Tourism tax, its sole aim is to reduce the number of visitors in order to preserve the cities historical and cultural features, which many residents feel as if have been overcrowded for many years now.
Commenting on this, Janet said.
“We need the summer of 2022 to be the year we say to the world “Wales is open for business”. With glorious mountain ranges here in north Wales and rolling coasts, I want to see towns such as Llandudno thriving and welcoming new and old visitors. Now is not the time to be introducing measures which could turn people away.”
Wales experienced a drastic drop in visitors during the Pandemic because of both domestic and international restrictions. It led to many small businesses having to close for good and a reduction in flight services from Ynys Mon and Cardiff Airport.
Commenting further, Janet said.
“ The Welsh Government have been slow off the mark when it comes to promoting Wales and our local communities have suffered as a result. The Wales of the future needs to be outward looking and promoting itself as an international partner. We have much to celebrate in this great nation and sharing that with others makes it more worthwhile. ”
Janet is keen to see a tourism boost within Wales, one that compliments the size and capacity of small Welsh towns but will continue to push against repressive policies that could damage the Welsh economy.
