THE importance of pushing Mid-Wales as a tourism destination to help the economy, was the subject of meeting between Welsh Government Tourism minister Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas and businesses at Lake Vyrnwy.

While there on Monday (March 26) Lord Elis-Thomas, met with Montgomeryshire AM, Russell George, who discussed a future vision for Tourism in Mid-Wales.

Mr George, revealed last year, the the Welsh Government had not spent any of it's marketing budget of £8.3million for the whole of Wales, on promoting Mid-Wales.

Mr George AM, said: "I would like to thank Lord Elis-Thomas for meeting with me and representatives from the tourism industry at Lake Vyrnwy to hear our thoughts on how we strengthen Mid Wales Tourism.

"The Lake Vyrnwy Marketing Association are a very proactive group and I was pleased they had the opportunity to discuss ideas with the minister

"More tourists than ever before are visiting Mid Wales to see what our wonderful region has to offer - the iconic Lake Vyrnwy, world-renowned heritage sites, beautiful market towns and fantastic mountain ranges.

"It has a countryside other holiday regions in Britain would die for.

"I was pleased that Lord Elis-Thomas acknowledged that Mid Wales needs a stronger voice when it comes to promoting its tourism industry and that infrastructure improvements to our road and rail network are essential if the Mid Wales Tourism industry is to flourish and reach its full potential.

"Representatives of the industry and I also urged for more progress when it comes to upgrading our digital infrastructure including high speed broadband and reliable mobile signal to ensure that Mid Wales can compete with other tourist hotspots which already have good digital connectivity, things which we take for granted in 2018.

Lord Elis-Thomas, said: “I’m delighted to be in Mid Wales - at the beginning of what will hopefully be a busy Easter for the industry.

"The impression I’ve had over the last few months is of an industry full of commitment and enthusiasm and I believe that by working in partnership we can build on the success we have achieved in recent years.

"I've also recently met with the chairs of the four Regional Tourism Fora and I’m confident that this structure works for the future development and marketing of tourism.

"I’ve had the opportunity today to reassure colleagues in Mid Wales that I have no intention of changing this structure. I wish the industry a busy and prosperous Easter.