WIREDGOV

As part of Wales Tourism Week, the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates addressed the Mid Wales Tourism Conference at the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells.  During his opening remarks he outlined the importance of tourism to the economies of Wales and mid Wales and how investment in quality is crucial for Wales is to compete in this global market.

The Deputy Minister, said: 

“I’m delighted to attend the mid Wales Tourism Conference during Wales Tourism Week, a week which plays an important part in raising the profile of tourism as a key part of our economy.  Here in mid Wales, as with many of our rural communities, tourism is often the number-one industry, sustaining the local economy and culture.

“Tourism touches all parts of Wales and the geographical spread of employment generated by the tourism sector is one of its key strengths when compared to other sectors of the economy. Tourism makes a vital contribution to the Welsh economy from a sector which supports 14.9% of jobs in Wales. 

“We’re in a strong position at the moment, we have seen overseas visitors to Wales increase by 14% in the first nine months of 2014 which shows that we are ahead of the game in attracting overseas visitors as markets recover and we’ve also seen an increase in our market share of domestic visitors.

“With Easter approaching our marketing work has stepped up a gear over the past few months to create a buzz about visiting Wales during spring and summer this year. 

“The ‘Have you packed for Wales?’ campaign is proving to be a success for Wales and the growth in the number of people using Visitwales.com and Visit Wales’ social media channels is proof that the campaign is stimulating interest and demand in Wales.  

“Visit Wales 2014-15 marketing activity is delivering real results for Wales and is on track to deliver more than £190 million in additional expenditure in the Wales visitor economy. 

“A new campaign has also been launched in Germany, which along with USA and Ireland is one of our key target markets.  The huge posters of iconic welsh landmarks will be seen in key sites in Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Duisburg and Essen enticing visitors from Germany to Wales. 

“Investment in our product is crucial if the visitor experience is to live up to our customers’ increasing expectations.  Investment made through the Tourism Investment Support Scheme (TISS) enables Welsh Government to drive forward a quality, product led tourism strategy helping to create fresh reasons to visit and discover Wales.  

“During 2014/2015 some £2.3m has been invested in a range of tourism businesses, supporting projects that stimulate growth in the market, in occupancy or visitor numbers, improve performance, jobs and profitability, and deliver high quality products.  Over this period, the investment made has also helped create and safeguard some 288 full time equivalent jobs.  

“The finalists of the National Tourism Awards for Wales are excellent examples demonstrating how investment in quality and a commitment to improve makes all the difference. I look forward to meeting the finalists and winners at the Awards ceremony on 25 March. I’d like to take this opportunity ahead of the Easter holidays to wish you a very successful season.”

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