Tourism can be a‘force for good’but must listen to concerns
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TOURISM can be a “force for good” in Wales says a holiday cottage boss but that the sector has to listen to community concerns.
The sector is a major employer in North Wales – particularly in counties like Anglesey, Gwynedd and Conwy.
But while it brings jobs and investment there are concerns about the sector’s impact.
Among the criticisms aimed at the sector are the added pressures on local infrastructure, impact on house prices of second homes and generally low wages in the industry.
Covid has exacerbated tensions between visitors and some local residents and led to claims of a “go away attitude”.
Gwion Llwyd, owner of Dioni Holiday Cottages in Gwynedd, believes the sector is good for the country but operators have to listen to concerns expressed and “improve practices” where needed.
He said: “This period has given a lot of us more time to reflect and take stock of things, and
perhaps it’s a good opportunity for our sector to identify areas where we can improve and evolve.
“For me personally, the pandemic has highlighted how lucky we are to have such a strong sense of community here in North Wales.
“It has also convinced me that if our community, language and culture is to
thrive in the long term, we need a prosperous local economy. Tourism, more than any other industry in our region, can help drive that.
“Our sector sometimes gets a bad rap, but it can – and should – be a powerful force for good, delivering real economic, social and cultural value.
“But to persuade
everyone of that, we must listen to voices of concern, and improve our practices where necessary.”
He added: “As a small locally based company, we were able to respond and react quicker than some larger national or international agencies, and it has certainly helped that we have a loyal customer base, and good working partnerships with our cottage owners personally. Those close personal relationships really helped and motivated us during the darkest months of lockdown. From offering up their cottages to key workers, to adapting quickly and without fuss to the new public health guidelines and changes to their bookings, people have been incredibly supportive, patient and kind.”
Welsh Government has said it would unveil a roadmap on reopening the economy indicating there could be a partial lifting of restrictions for Easter.
Justin Everley, commercial director at
Adventure Parc Snowdonia said the sector needs a “pathway out of this crisis”.
He added: “Businesses – many of which are now hanging on by the skin of their teeth – just can’t take any more uncertainty.
“We need to get clarity about the precise restrictions we will be operating under, and when they will apply, so that we can start making the right decisions about recruitment, staff training, and starting up our supply chains.
“A clear roadmap and timeline would also give us the opportunity to start communicating clearly and consistently with our customers and local communities in the run up to reopening, so that they know what to expect, and are reassured about how we will be operating.
“Nobody wants a return to lockdown, and whilst we all are all looking forward to reopening our businesses, we have to get this right first time.
“That starts with having a robust, clear plan in place.”
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