Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS is today speaking against the Welsh Government attack on the tourism industry in light of proposals to apply a tourism tax for visitors to Wales. A major sporting nation, with grand national parks, spectacular coast lines and bustling bars and restaurants in our towns and cities, Wales represents a corner of the United Kingdom like no other.
Speaking today in the Senedd, Janet said,
“If the past two years have shown anything, it’s that the tourism industry and the people of Wales who work these sectors, are resilient and committed to building a bigger better Wales, more than what can be said for this sleepy and dreary administration here in Cardiff Bay.”
Janet made reference to the Welsh tourism industry and its large composition of micro businesses/SMEs and how these sectors are vitally important to rural as well as urban economies. In Wales, 25% of registered businesses are in the visitor economy. They offer significant employment opportunities where alternatives are very limited.
Speaking following her contribution today, Janet said,
“Here in Conwy County, tourism is worth £887million, generating 9.5 million visitors annually. The impact of Covid has already left its toll on businesses in the Aberconwy area with loss of revenue ranging from 60-85%.
“Whilst the UK Government is investing in the Welsh tourism sector Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru are seek to punish it.”
In addition to supporting around 10,000 jobs in Aberconwy through furlough, the UK Government is further investing in the local economy, especially tourism, such as via:
- £51,000 in Llandudno Bay Promenade enhancement
- £219,000 in the Conwy Culture Strategy Development
- And £850,000 in a Tourism Innovation Hub
Janet will continue to work with the tourism sector on ways in which to generate local revenue that supports industry across Wales.
