Latest news with #WalesTourismWeek2025
Pembrokeshire Herald
13-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Carmarthenshire celebrates tourism investment during Wales Tourism Week
Visit Pembrokeshire marks Wales Tourism Week by highlighting the county's vital visitor economy VISIT PEMBROKESHIRE is marking Wales Tourism Week 2025 by shining a spotlight on the county's thriving visitor economy – a key pillar of local life that is both culturally enriching and economically essential. Tourism in Pembrokeshire contributes an estimated £604 million to the local economy each year, welcoming over 6.3 million visitors and supporting 23% of all local employment. It stands alongside energy and agriculture as one of the county's three economic cornerstones. However, the value of tourism goes far beyond economic impact. It supports local supply chains, preserves cultural and natural heritage, and helps sustain services in rural communities. As the only UK National Park primarily designated for its coastal landscape, Pembrokeshire's natural beauty continues to attract visitors from around the world. Neil Kedward: Chair of Visit Pembrokeshire Neil Kedward, Chief Executive of Seren Collection and Chair of Visit Pembrokeshire, said: 'Tourism is the lifeblood of Pembrokeshire – it supports thousands of livelihoods, sustains our rural communities, and showcases the very best of Welsh culture and our extraordinary land and seascapes to the world. 'Its value goes beyond visitor spend. It fuels and binds our local supply chains, sustains hospitality and creative businesses, and keeps vital services working in rural areas. 'As we mark Wales Tourism Week, it's time to recognise not only the economic value of our visitors, but the way tourism enriches lives, preserves our heritage, and strengthens our sense of place. Investing in sustainable, high-quality tourism really is investing in the future of Pembrokeshire and the wellbeing of our communities.' Tourism in the county is a diverse and dynamic ecosystem, encompassing accommodation providers, attractions, activity organisers, artists, retailers, food and drink producers, heritage organisations and more. Despite its diversity, 99% of tourism-related businesses in Pembrokeshire are microbusinesses—many operating in remote or rural locations. Emma Thornton, Chief Executive of Visit Pembrokeshire Emma Thornton Visit Pembrokeshire Chief Executive added: 'We support and connect businesses and organisations involved in tourism with each other, and our mantra is 'stronger together'. Visit Pembrokeshire is the glue that brings people together, delivering Pembrokeshire's 2024–28 Destination Management Plan in collaboration with public and private sector partners.' Visit Pembrokeshire was launched in November 2020 as the county's official Destination Management Organisation (DMO) – the first of its kind in Wales. Its role is to champion sustainable, year-round tourism that balances the needs of visitors with those of residents, while spreading footfall more evenly across the county to ease pressure on popular hotspots. Recognises important role of tourism in Pembrokeshire: Henry Tufnell MP Local MP Henry Tufnell also praised the sector, saying: 'Tourism is absolutely central to Pembrokeshire – not only as a cornerstone of our local economy, but as a reflection of the pride we take in our landscapes, heritage and communities. 'While the sector has faced real challenges in recent years, the dedication and resilience shown by local businesses, supported by organisations like Visit Pembrokeshire, is truly inspiring. With continued support and collaboration, I'm confident tourism in the county has a bright and sustainable future.' The Wales Tourism Week campaign highlights the value of tourism across the nation, and Pembrokeshire's events and achievements this week serve as a reminder of just how deeply embedded tourism is in the county's identity.
Pembrokeshire Herald
12-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Second homes tax brings in £12.5 million for Pembrokeshire Council despite cut
Visit Pembrokeshire marks Wales Tourism Week by highlighting the county's vital visitor economy VISIT PEMBROKESHIRE is marking Wales Tourism Week 2025 by shining a spotlight on the county's thriving visitor economy – a key pillar of local life that is both culturally enriching and economically essential. Tourism in Pembrokeshire contributes an estimated £604 million to the local economy each year, welcoming over 6.3 million visitors and supporting 23% of all local employment. It stands alongside energy and agriculture as one of the county's three economic cornerstones. However, the value of tourism goes far beyond economic impact. It supports local supply chains, preserves cultural and natural heritage, and helps sustain services in rural communities. As the only UK National Park primarily designated for its coastal landscape, Pembrokeshire's natural beauty continues to attract visitors from around the world. Neil Kedward: Chair of Visit Pembrokeshire Neil Kedward, Chief Executive of Seren Collection and Chair of Visit Pembrokeshire, said: 'Tourism is the lifeblood of Pembrokeshire – it supports thousands of livelihoods, sustains our rural communities, and showcases the very best of Welsh culture and our extraordinary land and seascapes to the world. 'Its value goes beyond visitor spend. It fuels and binds our local supply chains, sustains hospitality and creative businesses, and keeps vital services working in rural areas. 'As we mark Wales Tourism Week, it's time to recognise not only the economic value of our visitors, but the way tourism enriches lives, preserves our heritage, and strengthens our sense of place. Investing in sustainable, high-quality tourism really is investing in the future of Pembrokeshire and the wellbeing of our communities.' Tourism in the county is a diverse and dynamic ecosystem, encompassing accommodation providers, attractions, activity organisers, artists, retailers, food and drink producers, heritage organisations and more. Despite its diversity, 99% of tourism-related businesses in Pembrokeshire are microbusinesses—many operating in remote or rural locations. Emma Thornton, Chief Executive of Visit Pembrokeshire Emma Thornton Visit Pembrokeshire Chief Executive added: 'We support and connect businesses and organisations involved in tourism with each other, and our mantra is 'stronger together'. Visit Pembrokeshire is the glue that brings people together, delivering Pembrokeshire's 2024–28 Destination Management Plan in collaboration with public and private sector partners.' Visit Pembrokeshire was launched in November 2020 as the county's official Destination Management Organisation (DMO) – the first of its kind in Wales. Its role is to champion sustainable, year-round tourism that balances the needs of visitors with those of residents, while spreading footfall more evenly across the county to ease pressure on popular hotspots. Recognises important role of tourism in Pembrokeshire: Henry Tufnell MP Local MP Henry Tufnell also praised the sector, saying: 'Tourism is absolutely central to Pembrokeshire – not only as a cornerstone of our local economy, but as a reflection of the pride we take in our landscapes, heritage and communities. 'While the sector has faced real challenges in recent years, the dedication and resilience shown by local businesses, supported by organisations like Visit Pembrokeshire, is truly inspiring. With continued support and collaboration, I'm confident tourism in the county has a bright and sustainable future.' The Wales Tourism Week campaign highlights the value of tourism across the nation, and Pembrokeshire's events and achievements this week serve as a reminder of just how deeply embedded tourism is in the county's identity.
Pembrokeshire Herald
12-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Tourism at the heart of Pembrokeshire's economy
Visit Pembrokeshire marks Wales Tourism Week by highlighting the county's vital visitor economy VISIT PEMBROKESHIRE is marking Wales Tourism Week 2025 by shining a spotlight on the county's thriving visitor economy – a key pillar of local life that is both culturally enriching and economically essential. Tourism in Pembrokeshire contributes an estimated £604 million to the local economy each year, welcoming over 6.3 million visitors and supporting 23% of all local employment. It stands alongside energy and agriculture as one of the county's three economic cornerstones. However, the value of tourism goes far beyond economic impact. It supports local supply chains, preserves cultural and natural heritage, and helps sustain services in rural communities. As the only UK National Park primarily designated for its coastal landscape, Pembrokeshire's natural beauty continues to attract visitors from around the world. Neil Kedward: Chair of Visit Pembrokeshire Neil Kedward, Chief Executive of Seren Collection and Chair of Visit Pembrokeshire, said: 'Tourism is the lifeblood of Pembrokeshire – it supports thousands of livelihoods, sustains our rural communities, and showcases the very best of Welsh culture and our extraordinary land and seascapes to the world. 'Its value goes beyond visitor spend. It fuels and binds our local supply chains, sustains hospitality and creative businesses, and keeps vital services working in rural areas. 'As we mark Wales Tourism Week, it's time to recognise not only the economic value of our visitors, but the way tourism enriches lives, preserves our heritage, and strengthens our sense of place. Investing in sustainable, high-quality tourism really is investing in the future of Pembrokeshire and the wellbeing of our communities.' Tourism in the county is a diverse and dynamic ecosystem, encompassing accommodation providers, attractions, activity organisers, artists, retailers, food and drink producers, heritage organisations and more. Despite its diversity, 99% of tourism-related businesses in Pembrokeshire are microbusinesses—many operating in remote or rural locations. Emma Thornton, Chief Executive of Visit Pembrokeshire Emma Thornton Visit Pembrokeshire Chief Executive added: 'We support and connect businesses and organisations involved in tourism with each other, and our mantra is 'stronger together'. Visit Pembrokeshire is the glue that brings people together, delivering Pembrokeshire's 2024–28 Destination Management Plan in collaboration with public and private sector partners.' Visit Pembrokeshire was launched in November 2020 as the county's official Destination Management Organisation (DMO) – the first of its kind in Wales. Its role is to champion sustainable, year-round tourism that balances the needs of visitors with those of residents, while spreading footfall more evenly across the county to ease pressure on popular hotspots. Recognises important role of tourism in Pembrokeshire: Henry Tufnell MP Local MP Henry Tufnell also praised the sector, saying: 'Tourism is absolutely central to Pembrokeshire – not only as a cornerstone of our local economy, but as a reflection of the pride we take in our landscapes, heritage and communities. 'While the sector has faced real challenges in recent years, the dedication and resilience shown by local businesses, supported by organisations like Visit Pembrokeshire, is truly inspiring. With continued support and collaboration, I'm confident tourism in the county has a bright and sustainable future.' The Wales Tourism Week campaign highlights the value of tourism across the nation, and Pembrokeshire's events and achievements this week serve as a reminder of just how deeply embedded tourism is in the county's identity.
Western Telegraph
11-05-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Pembrokeshire tourism brought in £604 million last year
Visit Pembrokeshire has highlighted the importance of the county's visitor economy during Wales Tourism Week 2025. The tourism sector is one of the three main economic pillars of Pembrokeshire, alongside energy and agriculture. It contributes £604 million to the local economy annually, attracts more than 6.3 million visitors, and supports 23 per cent of all local employment. Neil Kedward, Seren Collection chief executive and chairman of Visit Pembrokeshire, said: "Tourism is the lifeblood of Pembrokeshire – it supports thousands of livelihoods, sustains our rural communities, and showcases the very best of Welsh culture and our extraordinary land and seascapes to the world. "Its value goes beyond visitor spend. "It fuels and binds our local supply chains, sustains hospitality and creative businesses, and keeps vital services working in rural areas." Visitors are drawn to Pembrokeshire's castles, festivals, coastal villages, and traditions, which help preserve the county's unique Welsh identity. As the only UK National Park primarily designated for its coastal landscape, Pembrokeshire's natural beauty and diverse landscape have earned global recognition. The tourism sector in Pembrokeshire is diverse, encompassing accommodation providers, attractions, experience and activity providers, artists, retail and hospitality, artisan producers, museums, galleries, and heritage sites. However, 99 per cent of these businesses are micro-businesses, which can feel isolated at times due to the rural nature of the county. MP Henry Tufnell said: "Tourism is absolutely central to Pembrokeshire – not only as a cornerstone of our local economy, but as a reflection of the pride we take in our landscapes, heritage and communities. "While the sector has faced real challenges in recent years, the dedication and resilience shown by local businesses, supported by organisations like Visit Pembrokeshire, is truly inspiring." The past five years have been challenging for tourism businesses. Visit Pembrokeshire, the official Destination Management Organisation (DMO) for Pembrokeshire, has been supporting and championing the visitor economy. The DMO, a business-led public/private sector partnership launched in November 2020, focuses on developing year-round tourism sustainably, promoting value over volume, and encouraging visitors to explore the entire county. Emma Thornton, CEO of Visit Pembrokeshire, said: "We support and connect businesses and organisations involved in tourism with each other and our mantra is 'stronger together'. "We coordinate delivery of Pembrokeshire's 2024-28 Destination Management Plan, a shared plan delivered in partnership. "Partnership working is at the core of everything we do. "There are so many organisations whose activities touch on or are involved in tourism in Pembrokeshire and we like to say that Visit Pembrokeshire is the glue that brings people together."
