Leader of the Welsh Conservatives and Clwyd West MS Darren Millar, along with Vale of Clwyd MS Gareth Davies, met with leading figures from the tourism and hospitality sector in North Wales this week to outline their efforts to boost visitor numbers, safeguard jobs and support long-term growth.
The two politicians were invited to meet with the Board of North Wales Tourism, an organisation established over 35 years ago to promote and support tourism across North Wales, to outline the policy commitments and explore how they could positively contribute to the growth and sustainability of the region’s vital tourism economy.
At the meeting they discussed the current challenges and opportunities facing the visitor economy, and what should be done to boost tourism in the area.
Darren and Gareth also spoke about the damage being caused to the tourism economy by policies introduced by the Welsh Labour Government, and Labour-Plaid deals, including plans for a tourism tax, 20mph speed limits, and self-catering accommodation occupancy rules, which have caused some businesses to close.
Darren told the Board, including CEO Jim Jones:
"We’re a pro-tourism and pro-business party. It’s alarming that over the last 5 years, the current Welsh Government have become anti-tourist – with the prospect of a tourist tax, 20mph speed limits, confusion over speed limits when you travel into Wales, and the attack on self-catering accommodation providers.
"We would unpick anti-tourism policies. Scrapping the tourism tax, reverting default speed limits back to 30mph, except outside schools and hospitals, and, change the self-catering accommodation rules."
Darren said that there is a need to "tap into tourism opportunities more".
He added:
"We need to embrace tourists from overseas, luxury stays and adventure tourism, as well as traditional bucket and spade tourism.
"We also need to push other tourism offers, including faith, film locations and genealogy tourism.”
He told the Board that the Welsh Conservatives want "to create an environment where tourism businesses can thrive and create more jobs".
Gareth meanwhile raised the importance of professional sports being hosted in North Wales, not just in South Wales, as a way of attracting more visitors to the area and boosting trade for local businesses.
The impact on tourism of public toilet closures and parking charges was also discussed.
Gareth said:
"Rhyl is an example of a town that is struggling to get back on its feet and yet you have to pay for parking.
“Meanwhile, Colwyn Bay has a brand new seafront, yet Conwy County Borough Council has increased car parking charges.
"If you can’t get a parking spot on the High Street in Conwy town, most are very unlikely to stay, especially elderly, as people can’t afford to pay about £6 to park to go to a few shops."
Speaking after the meeting, Darren said:
"Tourism is one of our most dynamic sectors and a major employer here in North Wales.
"We need wealth and an atmosphere for hospitality and tourism to thrive.
"We want to eliminate any unwelcome feeling at the Welsh border. We’re Welsh and British and want a successful Wales in the UK. We want to save business, cafes, pubs and all hospitality."
Gareth said:
“It was a pleasure to meet with the North Wales Tourism Board to discuss a sector that is a cornerstone of the North Wales economy, and it was clear just how strongly local businesses feel about the challenges they face.
“Too often, the industry is held back by poor connectivity, rising costs and taxes, and tourism marketing that fails to reflect Wales’ true potential or the needs of those working in the sector.
“We need a new approach that actively promotes North Wales as a destination of choice, with better transport links, smarter marketing, and policies that encourage visitors and investment rather than driving them away.”
