Welsh Conservatives have today called for improvements in the way Wales is ‘promoted’ and ‘sold’ overseas.
During an Opposition Debate this afternoon, the group has highlighted the key role tourism plays in the Welsh economy and called for progress in the exporting of goods and inward investment.
Shadow Minister for Business, Andrew RT Davies AM, said:
“This is about improving the sale of Wales and promoting what we have to offer. At the moment – that’s still sadly lacking.
“Opportunities for tourism promotion, exports and inward investment exist, but they are all too often untapped.
“Tourism supports ten per cent of the Welsh economy. In 2009, the total amount of money spent by visitors here was nearly one and a half billion pounds. Those figures speak for themselves and this is an area that deserves to be taken much more seriously by the Welsh Labour government.
“Measuring the sector will help us develop and regular tourism data should be published to ensure resources are focused on the most promising markets.
“The time for distracting government re-organisations is over. We need an injection of energy and hard work in creating a strong and recognisable brand that yields results the world over.
“The potential is there for the taking – it just needs to be seized and utilised.”