Powys politicians have praised a local tourism group that plays a “key role” in the local economy.
Mid Wales Tourism (MWT) Cymru’s key role of representing tourism and hospitality businesses across Mid Wales was explored on Monday (August 30) when officials and members met with Brecon and Radnor’s elected representatives in the Welsh and UK Parliaments.
The independent organisation, which has 600 members from the tourism and hospitality sectors across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia, briefed James Evans, MS and Fay Jones, MP, on the challenges facing its members, trading conditions and new developments.
“We have heard about the challenges facing the tourism and hospitality sectors here in Mid Wales,” said Mr Evans. “It’s very important that businesses come forward with plans to help these sectors to grow in Mid Wales.
“What would businesses like the Mid Wales tourism industry to look like in 2030? I believe that they, rather than governments, are best placed to shape the industry’s future.”
OTHER NEWS:
- Beloved Powys chippie stunned as gas supplier says next bill could be £500,000!
- Powys firm awarded new bus contracts as Welsh Government announces route changes
- Broken rubbish truck in Powys leads to mountains of carboard being left at site
Issues discussed included the potential impact on rural Wales of the Welsh Government’s taxation and licensing of self-catering accommodation and a proposed tourism levy, the cost of living crisis and the Mid Wales Growth Deal.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to have a discussion with tourism and hospitality businesses from Brecon and Radnor,” said Ms Jones. “I want to continue working with MWT Cymru to ensure that the powers that be in Westminster and Cardiff really understand and support these sectors which are absolutely critical to the rural economy.”
The meeting was hosted by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water’s Elan Valley Visitor Centre, near Rhayader where MWT Cymru’s chief executive Val Hawkins, MBE, chairman Rowland Rees-Evans, Mid Wales and Tourism Forum chairman Steve Hughson gave a overview of the tourism and hospitality sectors in Mid Wales.
Mr Rees-Evans, managing director of Penrhos Park, Llanrhystud, explained that MWT Cymru has organised a series of meetings with politicians across Mid Wales to brief the region’s members of the Welsh and UK Governments.
“What these meetings has highlighted is the important role MWT Cymru plays in representing the interests of tourism and hospitality businesses and bringing them together to brief and update politicians,” said Mr Rees-Evans.
“Our members range from micro businesses to large hotels and attractions and it’s vital that their voices are heard because tourism and hospitality, together with agriculture, are the cornerstones of the Mid Wales economy.
“It’s essential that we meet our politicians regularly to update them, as there are major issues on the horizon that will impact our membership and Industry.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here