The UK Parliament Welsh Affairs Committee has launched an inquiry which seeks to explore the current position of the tourism sector in Wales and the steps the UK Government can take to help promote Wales to the world.
Among the issues to be considered are attracting international visitors to Wales, digital and transport connectivity, taxation measures to support the tourism sector and recovery from the covid-19 pandemic through the UK Government’s Tourism Recovery Plan. Although the Welsh Government is responsible for developing and promoting Wales’ tourism sector the UK Government oversees areas that have a significant impact on tourism in Wales. These issues include pan-UK connectivity, border control and Air Passenger Duty.
Speaking about the inquiry Aberconwy MP Robin Millar said: “Tourism is invaluable to the Welsh economy and is especially important to our local economy here in Aberconwy. The pandemic cost the Welsh tourism sector £6 billion in 2020 alone but even pre-pandemic the potential of Wales to attract visitors from around the world was not being realised.”
Continuing, Robin said: “Visitor attractions in Aberconwy alone include Llandudno – the Queen of the Welsh resorts, Snowdonia National Park, Conwy Caste and a thriving hospitality and culinary scene. This is just some of what Aberconwy has to offer and the towns and cities, castles, mountains, landscapes and coastlines found throughout Wales demonstrate why Wales deserves to be a truly global tourist destination.
“While the Welsh Government is seeking to deter visitors through the implementation of a tourism levy, I welcome this inquiry that will help to chart the ways in which the UK Government can support the reinvigoration of the Welsh visitor economy.”
Finishing, Robin said: “Maximising sustainable tourism is key to creating more jobs throughout Wales and this inquiry, titled ‘Wales as a Global Tourist Destination,’ is an opportunity for residents and tourism operators to contribute their ideas, as well as their concerns, about how to unlock the potential of Wales’ tourism sector. The inquiry is calling for evidence and I urge as many residents and operators as possible to contribute. Submissions to the inquiry, all of which will be considered, can be submitted online at www.committees.parliament.uk/call-for-evidence/707”