Initial findings from the Wales Tourism Business Barometer,  reports that 85% of tourism businesses surveyed saw an increased or maintained their visitor levels over Easter.

The late Easter was a boost for the industry with one third of those seeing an increase in businesses citing this as a positive factor, in comparison with an earlier Easter in 2018. Of those who had increased visitor numbers, 39% reported ‘better weather’ as the most common reason and the vast majority (85%) of operators are confident for the summer.

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, said:

It’s of course excellent news that the industry are reporting a good Easter and are confident for the summer ahead. And while things are looking positive for the industry, we’re planning ahead and looking at how we can improve further still.

At the Wales Tourism Summit I launched a conversation on what comes next for tourism in Wales, as the current strategy “Partnership for Growth” draws to a close in 2020. To start this process, we’re asking 10 big questions which will help to develop our priorities for the Visitor Economy. We want to hear the views of anyone who has an interest, whether you are a visitor, part of the tourism industry or indeed anyone who lives in Wales.

We’d like views on how we shape the vitally important visitor economy of Wales. Together we can shape new ways of developing tourism for the years ahead.

A more detailed Easter Wales Tourism Business Barometer report will follow on the 17th and this evidence will be used for informing the development of the action plan.

Zoe Wright, Head of Marketing at Folly Farm, said:

Easter was very busy here at Folly Farm and we saw a slight increase in attendance over the two week period compared to last Easter. The week prior when the English schools had already broken up was exceptional and means we’re going into the Whitsun half term ahead of last year which is a great position to be in. Visitor feedback on our new restaurant and our new tortoise enclosure has been fantastic and with a new animal attraction due to open for the Summer holidays we’re confident of a great year.

Pant yr Hwch near Lampeter is the home of Canvas and Campfires which has recently opened with five luxurious safari tents, following support from the Welsh Government’s Micro and Small Businesses Fund.

Ellie Waters, Canvas and Campfires, said:

We have had an amazing start to the season. We were fully booked for Easter and have had great feedback from everyone that stayed. Our guests have really enjoyed the improvements to the site like our new wood-fired hot tub, where they can now sit and watch the sun go down in total luxury.