The Wales Tourism Alliance has welcomed the announcement of a Minister with responsibility for tourism.

Representatives of Welsh tourism businesses had written to the First Minister arguing that a government-level representative is essential to represent the industry at a time when it is being affected by so many policies being made by Ministers (now Cabinet Secretaries) outside the Economy brief.

Now it has been confirmed that tourism, as well as hospitality and retail, will fall into the responsibilities of the Minister for Social Partnership Hannah Blythyn.

Suzy Davies, Chair of the WTA said:

“We are pleased that we have a Minister – a role which used to be Deputy Minister as the previous Minister role is now called Cabinet Secretary – and we look forward to working with Hannah Blythyn.

“Without a champion in government we felt that we would have stood even less of a chance of securing a review of the cumulative impact of policies which we feel are threats to Welsh tourism.  We are starting to see that impact on local economies as tourism and hospitality businesses are reducing opening hours or closing altogether.  We see the effect on communities as work in those businesses and their supply chains begins to dry up, without any obvious alternative local opportunities to use their skills.

“We’re also pushing hard for the 182-day policy to be dropped or exemptions to be created as it is so damaging.  We offer parallel arguments for further exceptions to council tax premiums.  Early indications are that the loss of professional self-catering operators – which are local businesses not second homes or casual lets – is not leading to a sudden availability of affordable accommodation.  Properties are limited by planning conditions, too expensive, in the wrong place or unsuitable for permanent accommodation.

“While it is true that there will be a range of reasons why people chose to sell, it is also true that Welsh Government’s own most recent research shows that it is its own policies which are identified as the primary reason for loss of business confidence.  As the former Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething as First Minister already has insight into what is happening to tourism and we ask for reassurance that he will bring that insight to bear across the whole of government.  We hope for an early meeting.”

The WTA was supported by signatories from other representatives who recognise that responsible, professional tourism businesses are a key element of the rural economy, itself under strain as a result of the proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme and other policies.

Other signatories to the letter were:

• Rachel Cillers – Chair South East Wales Regional Tourism Forum/Rock UK
• Steve Hughson – Chair Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum/
• George Reid – Chair South West Wales Regional Tourism Forum/
• Michael Bewick – Chair North Wales Regional Forum/
• Jim Jones – Director North Wales Tourism
• Val Hawkins – Director Mid Wales Tourism
• Emma Thornton – Director Visit Pembrokeshire
• Sioned Bannister – Chair Carmarthen Tourism Association
• Alistair Handyside – Chair Professional Association of Self Caterers (PASC)
• Ben Edgar-Spier – Head of Regulation & Policy, Sykes Holiday Cottages
• Phil Godsal – Director Historic Houses
• Emma McQuillan – Head of Governance, Caravan & Motorhome Club
• Katherine Squires – Deputy Director General, British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA)
• Victoria Bond – Director Wales, Country Land & Business Association (CLA)
• Simon McGrath – Head of Communications, Camping & Caravanning Club

The WTA has also contacted Welsh MPs to ask for their support in resisting proposed withdrawal of UK-level business tax reliefs, announced by the Chancellor. It says these would mean a new raft of costs for self-catering businesses on top of those arising from Welsh Government policies.