MS concerned over drop in the number of visitors to North Wales

* Sam Rowlands MS speaking in the Senedd chamber.

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, says the fall in the number of visitors to his region this summer is "deeply troubling". 

Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Rowlands, chair of the Senedd’s Cross-Party Group on Tourism, asked First Minister Eluned Morgan did she appreciate the damage their policies were having on this sector.

 

Mr Rowlands, who constantly argued against the introduction of the 182-day holiday let rule and continues to voice his concern at the looming tourist tax, said: “Tourism is undeniably important to the Welsh economy, in particular in North Wales,  where it supports thousands of jobs and plays a vital role in local prosperity.

 

“As we know, the sector accounts for around one in eight jobs, contributing significantly to GVA. Yet, despite its importance, we continue to see policies that actively undermine the sector, and, as a result of this, in North Wales the picture is especially concerning.

 

“I have reported to me that over 70% of attractions in the region have reported fewer visitors this Summer, with some resorts seeing business fall by as much as 30%. For a region so reliant on seasonal trade, these figures are deeply troubling.

 

“Tourism businesses in Wales need our support. So, I ask: First Minister, does the Welsh Government recognise the damaging role that policies like the 182-day rule, underinvestment in marketing and the looming tourism levy are having on businesses like these?”

 

The First Minister said the visitor levy was partly being introduced to balance the needs of visitors with the needs of local communities and, regarding the 182 days, it was important that property owners make a fair contribution to the economy.

 

Mr Rowlands added: “The Welsh Labour Government is not listening to the very real concerns of holiday businesses owners and fears for the future of the tourism sector here in North Wales.

 

“I have said many times, it is heartbreaking to hear that owners face having to discount their properties or rooms to encourage more visitors to reach their 182-day let targets.

 

“Not only that we had the ridiculous introduction of a default 20pmh speed limit, which again puts people off visiting the area and now of course there are plans to charge tourists for staying in overnight accommodation from 2027.

 

“The tourism industry is struggling and the Welsh Labour Government need to give it more support.”