Welsh Hospitality Deserves More Recognition and Government Support

The hospitality sector is a cornerstone of the Welsh economy, employing tens of thousands of people across the country.  

Yet despite the vast numbers of jobs we support and the communities we serve, it often feels like our industry is undervalued and overlooked. Time and time again, I find myself frustrated by the disparity in how different sectors are perceived. If a manufacturing plant employing 100 people were to shut down, the headlines would be filled with concern and outcry. But hospitality businesses employing the same number – if not more – could quietly reduce staff or close venues with little more than a shrug from decision-makers. 

This lack of recognition translates into a deeper issue: we are not getting the business-friendly policies we desperately need from the Welsh Government. This industry, which thrives on creativity, risk-taking, and hard work, requires a stable and supportive environment to continue to grow and to serve our communities. Yet the political and economic turbulence we’ve seen recently makes it difficult to feel confident about expanding or even maintaining current operations. 

I’ve seen how unpredictable external factors – weather, economic shifts, political instability – can impact our businesses. One of my pubs is a winter haven, while the other thrives in summer. But with the wet and unpredictable summer we had this year, we didn’t see the footfall we needed to justify even the basic costs like our gardening fees for the beer garden. This uncertainty makes it difficult to plan and invest, especially when larger-scale concerns like national Budgets and government policies hang in the balance. 

It’s not just about taxes or business rates though – it’s about confidence. Our staff might not all tune in to political shows every night, but the uncertainty seeps into everything we do. Whether it’s wondering how the next Budget will impact us or questioning how Welsh Government policies will shape our future, this lack of clarity holds us back. I’m not someone who’s afraid of taking risks, but in this environment I find myself focusing on the places I already run, rather than expanding or investing in new venues. Confidence breeds confidence, and right now what we need is stability and clear, supportive policies from our government to give us that boost. 

The hospitality sector deserves more than to be seen as a side note. We are a dynamic, resilient industry that not only creates jobs but also fosters social connections, supports local suppliers and drives tourism. So often, our collective value is overlooked. If we lost 10%, 20%, or more of our workforce because businesses couldn’t expand or had to downsize, it would be a devastating blow to Wales. But we don’t see the same level of urgency to protect our industry as we do for others. 

What we need now is a sea change in how our government views and engages with hospitality. It’s time for policies that recognise our value and actively support our growth, because when we thrive, so does Wales. By creating a more business-friendly environment – through sensible taxation, better business rates, and clear long-term strategies – we can provide jobs, experiences, and places for people to come together, whether that’s in a pub, a restaurant, or a festival.