Alun Ffred Jones, the Assembly Government’s Heritage Minister welcomed John Penrose MP, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Minister for Tourism and Heritage, to Wales when the two men met for the first time to discuss the importance of tourism to the Welsh economy.
A range of issues were discussed at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, the venue for October’s Ryder Cup. And before the meeting began Mr Jones gave Mr Penrose a tour of the Resort’s world class gold course.
Mr Jones said:
“Tourism is big business in Wales. It contributes around £3.5 billion a year to the economy and employs up to 100,000 people at the peak of the season. I was very interested to discuss a number of issues with the Minister that will allow us to work constructively together in order to provide support to Wales’s tourist industry.
“I am particularly keen to develop our relationship with Visit Britain, explore digital marketing opportunities and ensure that Wales is fully represented as the UK looks forward to London 2012.”
Mr Penrose said:
“I’m keen to hear the views of the tourism industry from all four corners of the UK. With the Ryder Cup coming up in just a couple of months, it’s been great to hear how this fantastic opportunity will be maximised by the Welsh tourism industry.”
