Council still committed to tourism

PEMBROKESHIRE County Council should “absolutely not” scrap its tourism department and continue to support the county’s largest industry, councillors said.

There were 2.3 million visitors in 2015 staying an average of 5.3 nights and 1.98 million day visitors with an annual spend of around £585m.

Councillor Simon Hancock said at the partnership overview and scrutiny committee yesterday that there should not be a move away from tourism.

“On the contrary, we should, as a county council rededicate ourselves to the tourism industry in Pembrokeshire,” he said.

“We are suffering from stagnation and other areas are stealing a lead on our destination. We must rededicate ourselves and do all we can to support the tourism industry in Pembrokeshire.”

The committee had been tasked with examining the current tourism management plan as it nears the end of its allotted five-year period.

Also under the spotlight was the axing of the tourism department – currently made up of just two officers with some director support and a budget of £24,000 – saving around £132,000 a year. However, it would risk losing around £1m a year generated by the team, whose manager has not been replaced since retiring in November, as well as sending a “negative message” to potential funders such as Visit Wales.

The committee backed a proposal that the council should continue the Destination Pembrokeshire Partnership. Progress will be reviewed in six months’ time.