As public sector ‘savings’ continue to be made, and local
authorities and government departments across the country feel the effects of
this, it would seem at times that little thought is given on the impact of this
on an industry that spans a number of departmental responsibilities.
The structure of tourism support across Wales has been under review
once again in recent months, and the outcome of that is due to be made clear
this week. The uncertainty that this review has brought with it has not helped
the industry, and neither has a similarly uncertain feel through Visit
Wales.
In May this year, the Welsh Government launched the new tourism strategy
– Partnership for Growth – 2013-2020, and a supporting action plan for the
first three years of the strategy. There are a number of commendable
aspirations within the strategy, although until such time as the review of the
Regional Tourism Partnership is completed, the future of organisations beneath
them such as Trade Associations potentially hangs in the balance.
There are further changes on the horizon as well in that
organisations that represent the collective voice of the industry across Wales,
are seeing changes to the way in which they are funded. The Wales Tourism Alliance,
the recognised voice of the industry in the country will in future have to
tender to receive financial support for the activity it undertakes in terms of
business led communications and feedback. The terms of this contract are yet to
be determined, and the value of it has already been stated as significantly
less than in previous years.
The industry is worth over £3bn to the economy in Wales, and yet the
expenditure to support it is minimal in comparison. Marketing campaigns come
and go, and the impact of them at times is unclear. Tourism currently sits
within the Enterprise, Science and Transport portfolio in Welsh Government, but
receives a very small allocation of that departmental budget. The various
financial schemes available to provide support for the industry, such as the
Tourism Investment Support Scheme are being reduced year on year, and yet the
industry is expected to deliver a growth in tourism earnings of 10% by the end
of the current strategy.
The industry has the potential to deliver huge growth, both in terms
of jobs and income. There are many creative entrepreneurs amongst our tourism
business community, and with a continual development of new businesses and
expansion and investment in existing businesses as well there is much that can
be achieved. However none of this will happen unless proper, long term, well
thought out support is provided for the industry, and it is freed from being a
political pawn. Industry representative
bodies such as the Wales Tourism Alliance, and Trade Associations across the
country are vital to providing this support, and must be listened to by those
in power if the desired outcomes of strategies and more are to be achieved. The
industry is hugely valuable. It is time it was truly valued.
