The Minister for Economy, Science and Transport has issued a statement abolishing Regional Tourism Partnerships across Wales, and replacing them with a new Regional Engagement team within the Welsh Government.
These partnerships worked with Visit Wales, local authorities, tourism businesses and with other organisations to undertake a range of marketing, product investment and business support activities on behalf of the tourism industry.
Responding to the Minister’s statement, Mr Davies said, “I’m disappointed that the Minister has decided to axe the Regional Tourism Partnerships – and any further centralisation of the tourism industry cannot be a good thing. The Welsh Government should ditch their civil service attitude and put their faith in local tourist operators.”
He added, “Pembrokeshire has a thriving tourism sector, although there are concerns amongst some small private tourism operators that the role of Visit Wales is unclear. Sadly, the Welsh Government seems to believe that direct government control is the best way to run services rather than trusting local experts. I hope that the Minister reconsiders her position on this issue – and works with local businesses and partnerships to deliver the best for our tourism industry.”
