70 Days and Counting!

For those of you in the Self Catering sector, you will undoubtedly already know what the 70 day rule is about. There may well be a good few of you who have shuddered at the mere mention of it. For those not sure what we are talking about the basic premise is fairly simple - owners of properties that are let for self catering holidays, must ensure that they have 70 days/nights booked out in any one financial year in order to qualify for business rates as opposed to domestic rates.

Now the theory behind this rule was to essentially close a loophole where second home owners were stating that the property was being run for business purposes (ie holiday let) and therefore qualifying for business rates, when in fact they were tending to let it or even loan it to friends and family for breaks, or indeed leaving it to stand empty for much of the year. 

However, the current economic climate, coupled with an extremely competitive market place has meant that in addition to those slightly less 'operational businesses', many genuine self catering accommodation providers have been hit by an increase in rates having failed to fill the bookings diary for 70 nights or more.

It is a major concern for many. Margins are already tight, with very little room to move in terms of offering discounts or other special offers to attract the paying visitor. Where many of these businesses are currently enjoying the 'breathing space' offered by the Small Business Rate Relief scheme, failure to fill 70 nights has meant that they have seen their business 'revalued' and moved into the domestic rates bandings, instantly adding several hundred pounds if not more, to the profit and loss accounts.

In a statement issued today by Welsh Government, we are told that "The Minister for Local Government and Minister for Economy have commissioned independent research to examine the operation of these regulations, which were originally introduced to close a loophole allowing some home-owners to pay lower council tax by listing their property as a holiday let whilst not actively seeking to let it."

At time of writing we don't yet know when this research will begin, or when it will be published. Pembrokeshire Tourism has already raised the issue with the Wales Tourism Alliance, and been featured as part of a BBC Wales report on the issue. What we will continue to do is raise the issue, and with this in mind we would welcome your feedback and comments. Have you been affected by this rule? Is it causing you to reconsider your business operation? The more information we have from you as operators, the stronger the message we can take to the Welsh Government on this issue. Please get in touch with us, either by phone on 01646 622228 or email your thoughts to maudie@holiday-pembrokeshire.co.uk

Pembrokeshire is very much Open for Business!

It's been quite a week! The weather is doing the usual trick of fooling us in to thinking summer has arrived, then knocking us off balance (literally!) with gusty winds and showers. However, Pembrokeshire people are not deterred by this at all, oh no!

Gathered round a shimmering pool this morning were a good number of the well known faces of Pembrokeshire. From County Councillors, through to MPs and AMs, local business owners and journalists, all were gathered in the slightly absent sunshine to welcome Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo's latest residents, the Humboldt Penguins.

Penguin Coast, officially opened by Edwina Hart AM, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport, is the result of four years planning, investment and downright hard work by and on behalf of the team at Folly Farm. It's been big news for many, and supported by a strong marketing campaign, and high levels of local interest.

Of course, we have many more businesses here in Pembrokeshire who have also been very busy investing in their product and offering, and over the course of the next few weeks we will hear a great deal more about them too. Oakwood Theme Park has redeveloped one area of the site to introduce a new family friendly themed area - Neverland - full of iconic London landmarks, pirates, and of course fairies and a certain well known character with the surname of 'Pan'! Due to have an official launch in the next few weeks, it's been a very clear indicator of the way in which Oakwood is now headed with a huge investment of private funds, and plans to continue doing further developments over the coming months and years.

Heatherton World of Adventures has also invested in and developed the offering on site. With 'Body Zorbing' and 'Water Wars' being just two of the latest additions, there is a continuation of the 'something for everyone' theme on the park, with the Craft Shack offering something a little more sedate, and the Tree Tops Trail providing the adrenaline kick. In common with other attractions providers in the county, there are a number of activities under cover, so should the weather be providing more 'liquid sunshine' then there are still plenty of things to do.

Manor House Wildlife Park, otherwise known as Anna's Welsh Zoo, has introduced another rhino this year, taking the total of this particular endangered species on site to three. Again the park has seen considerable investment over recent years, which again continues throughout this year and beyond, as further indoor areas are added, and the conservation and educational work carried out by the park being made more accessible to the visitors.

Of course there are many, many more attractions and activities in Pembrokeshire, and to list them all would take some doing! Furthermore we have superb cafes, restaurants, shops, museums, galleries, pubs, walks, craft centres, beaches, and of course accommodation offerings to suit all pockets. Whilst the First Minister Carwyn Jones commented only this week that Wales needed better weather to boost the tourist trade, here in Pembrokeshire there is a strong and clear message that the visitor is welcome whatever the weather, and that there is plenty to do come rain or shine!

So yes, as we head into the Whitsun Half Term holiday, with a mixture of sunshine and showers on the horizon, let it be known that the Pembrokeshire Welcome is in full flow, and Pembrokeshire, the businesses and the county as a whole, is very much open for business!

 Edwina Hart AM, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport, opens the Penguin Coast enclosure at Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo

Pembrokeshire Tourism and Supplier Members

Supplier Members. What do we mean by that? Well it's quite simple really........

Every business needs suppliers. Whether it's the butcher, the baker, or the candle stick maker (well almost!) a business has certain products and services that it will buy in from another business. Here at Pembrokeshire Tourism we recognise this and indeed have a dedicated membership category specifically for our Supplier Members.

Our definition of Supplier Members is this: If you are not a 'front end' tourism business (e.g. Guesthouse, Pub, Gift Shop, Attraction and so on) but do carry out business with companies like that, then you are a Supplier! Our current directory includes, amongst others, businesses such as insurance providers, independent financial advisers, training providers, website designers, architects, cleaner and many more.

So what do we offer for Supplier Members? In addition to the full range of benefits available to all of our members, such as access to discounted card payment processing facilities, discounted advertising with the Tenby Observer, free legal advice from Quality Solicitors Red Kite, we also have a dedicated Supplier Directory in the Members Area of our Website, and a fortnightly newsletter in which we will feature 3 Supplier Members at a time.

As with all of our members, we encourage businesses to make special offers to other members and this is particularly useful for Supplier Members. A feature in the newsletter can help highlight this and get the word out, so why not review your listing today and see what you're offering.

If you want to know more about Supplier Membership, or would like to discuss how to maximise the benefits of your Supplier Membership, get in touch with the team today on 01646 622228.

Your opinion counts!

Tourism is an ever changing industry, and one that is very service orientated. The nature of that service is such that it can incorporate everything from the greeting given by the hotel receptionist, to the standard of cleaning done by the housekeeping team, to the provision of information and facilities by the destination itself.

Now some of this is obvious - local newspapers produce summer holiday guides as part of their publications, and of course numerous attractions and activity centres have their own marketing material in the form of leaflets, websites and so on. The County Council has also provided a number of printed guides for the area, featuring information on accommodation providers as well as places to go and things to do.

A "change in direction" has meant that in the future, they are unlikely to be able to provide this kind of information in the same volume as previously, if indeed at all. Whilst the world generally is moving more towards a digital platform in terms of accessing and sharing information, there are still some who are not familiar with or indeed comfortable using such technology. The County Council Tourism Team are aware of this, and have been taking steps to investigate alternative ways of producing the visitor guide, although it will be on a considerably smaller scale in terms of distribution quantities. There are understandably mixed views on this and further feedback, comment and discussion is welcomed to help identify a cost effective and suitable way forward. The County Council marketing will move to a digital platform however, with regular updates and monthly focus themes, which will help to spread the word about the outstanding offering here in the county, but it will need industry support and engagement too.

Another service that is under review is the provision of public toilets. Whilst at first glance this may not seem like an obvious tourist service, if you think about it, everybody has a need to 'go' from time to time, and if you're on holiday, it's more than likely that you'll make use of the local public facilities. Whilst the calculations on provision have taken into account the resident population of the county, it is feared that the increase in population during the main trade season has not be considered. A statement in the local press recently read as follows:

"At present the council maintains 93 public toilets across the county at an annual cost of £1.5m a year.
The council said this equates to 7.9 toilet blocks per 10,000 head of population - the highest ratio in Wales - and compares to 4.7 per 10,000 head of population in the similar area of Cornwall.
Following an initial review, a report proposes consulting further about the future of 28 blocks with a view to possible closure.
The provision of public toilets by local authorities is not a statutory function and closure of 28 facilities would save the council about £135,000 a year.
“The council recognises that public toilets play a role in supporting the contribution that tourism makes to the local economy, particularly for those for whom ready access to a toilet is a consideration on grounds of age, health (including pregnancy) or disability,” says the report.
“The 28 facilities in question have been identified for removal from Council management on the basis of manageable impact in respect of tourism and with limited welfare effects on residents and visitors.
If the Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee agrees with the proposal, it will go out to consultation and a public toilet strategy developed for the remaining 65 facilities.
The 28 toilets under review are: Croesgoch, Crymych, Dinas Cross (Main Road), Fishguard Square, Gwaun Valley Sychpant, Letterston, Maenclochog, Mathry, Nevern, Solva Upper Lay-by, St David’s Quickwell Hill, Trefin, Burton, Clynderwen, Lawrenny, Llangwm Black Tar, Llanstadwell Hazelbeach, Milford Haven Manchester Square, Milford Haven The Rath, Newgale adj to The Pebbles Café, Newgale adj to Duke of Edinburgh public house, Neyland Marina Brunel Quay, Pembroke Black Horse, Pembroke Parade, Pembroke Dock Front Street, Pembroke Dock Hobbs Point, St Florence, St Ishmaels."

Local responses have in the main been strongly against closure of any public toilets. Whilst there has been some consideration made about the impact of such closures on the visitors, many fear it doesn't go far enough. Further press articles this week have suggested that
"The council will write to town and community councils - which cover the areas where blocks are located - to explore whether they would be interested in taking them over.
The Council would also like to hear from local businesses and community organisations, which may be interested in taking over the running of these toilets."

If you want your voice to be heard in relation to either the marketing of the county, the provision of public toilets, or indeed any other matter, please do get in touch with us. Tourism matters in Pembrokeshire, and it is important that it is supported.

Welcome!

It's been some time since we posted a blog, so we've decided to start again with a new one!

First up, a little bit about us. Pembrokeshire Tourism is the trade association in Pembrokeshire for all businesses involved in or with an interest in the tourist industry. Our membership is diverse, covering all sectors of the industry, and extending out into their supplier network. We provide a range of benefits for members from money saving offers, through to skills training and development. Additionally we work with our members and the trade to raise the important issues that need addressing by local, regional and national government, whilst also holding regular events for members where they can meet each other, and discuss those topics that matter to them.

To put this into the bigger picture: Tourism in Pembrokeshire is worth in excess of £530million a year to the local economy. It supports over 14,000 direct full time equivalent jobs, and a further 2,000 indirect full time equivalent jobs. It is an industry that comprises a high number of micro businesses and SMEs. We work closely with these businesses to provide help and support, and offer encouragement and guidance to 'raise the bar' in the industry throughout the county at all price points, and for all markets.

    

Over the course of the next few blog posts we will look in more detail at some of the work we do, who we work with and why, and also feature some of our member businesses who go the extra mile and have shown what can be done with creative thinking and innovative activity. In the meantime, if you would like to know more about us, take a look at our website, browse our facebook page, or give us a call on 01646 622228.

Marloes Sands, Pembrokeshire