‘Wales tourism strategy crucial following Brexit’
Anew strategy is needed to realise the potential of the tourist economy in the aftermath of Brexit, according to a major industry body.
The Wales Tourism Alliance (WTA), which represents all sectors of the industry in Wales, has set out what it sees as the main challenges and opportunities facing the nation’s tourism industry when the UK leaves the European Union.
It has set out a seven-point mainfesto for discussions with Assembly Members, MPs and local authority councillors to secure a thriving future for tourism in Wales.
“Brexit presents challenges for the tourism industry in Wales but also great opportunities for growth in business and employment,” said WTA chairman Adrian Barsby.
“This will be achieved so long as individual tourism businesses respond to the challenge and are supported by the right government policies, including financial support for the industry commensurate with its needs and potential for growth.
“The reconsideration which must be given post-Brexit to all government support across the spectrum of economic activity is an opportunity for a fresh look at the needs of the tourism industry and the returns which will be obtained from a more realistic level of government support.
“It is a time when the rules are being rewritten. Let it be done in a way which realises the potential of the tourism industry and wider visitor economy.”
The WTA wants the Welsh Government to:
Agree a new strategic development plan, including a review of destination partnerships.
Adopt appropriate land and coastal management policies to enhance Wales’ natural environment.
Introduce taxation policies which promote the competitiveness of the industry.
Allocate financial support for capital investment and product improvement by business.
Set a meaningful marketing budget to promote tourism to Wales.
Maintain and improve the skills needed by the industry.
Ensure key tourism infrastructure investment, including reliable superfast broadband.
WTA officials plan to raise the points with Economy Secretary Ken Skates, Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns, Suzy Davies, chair of the Assembly’s Cross-Party Tourism Group, and Steve Thomas of the Welsh Local Government Association.
The WTA endorsed calls for the UK Government to confirm at the earliest opportunity in the Brexit negotiations the continued right of EU nationals to remain working here.
It said “an earmarked development tourism fund of double the existing annual spend would not be out of place bearing in mind the £2.7bn contribution of the industry to GDP and its further growth potential.”
Describing the spending on marketing by Visit Wales, estimated at £10m this year and £15m next year, as inadequate, it said: “The Visit Scotland budget, for example, is currently around £55m, which includes provision for a staff complement of around 600, itself an indicator of the competition we are up against.”