Key figures from hospitality, tourism and culture to headline major county event

THE VISIT Pembrokeshire Tourism Summit will return on Wednesday, Marcn 26, bringing together leading voices from across the visitor economy for the county’s flagship industry event.

Hosted once again at Folly Farm, the annual summit is open to anyone involved in — or with an interest in — tourism in Pembrokeshire. This year’s theme, Shaping the Future Together: Sustainable Growth for Pembrokeshire, will focus on collaboration, innovation and long-term development across the sector.

Organisers say the event is the largest in Visit Pembrokeshire’s calendar, attracting tourism professionals, business owners, strategic partners and representatives from the public and third sectors.

The keynote speaker will be Kate Nicholls OBE, Chair and former Chief Executive of UKHospitality, widely regarded as one of the UK’s most influential advocates for the hospitality and tourism industries. She has played a central role in shaping national policy and championing the sector’s contribution to local economies.

Jason Thomas, Director of Visit Wales, will provide an update on national tourism priorities, while John Davies, Chair of the Executive Committee for the 2026 National Eisteddfod, will also address delegates. A former leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Mr Davies brings extensive experience of both local government and national organisations.

Emma Thornton, Chief Executive of Visit Pembrokeshire, will open the summit by outlining the organisation’s ten-year vision for the Pembrokeshire visitor economy.

She said: “The Visit Pembrokeshire 2026 Tourism Summit will be a day to unite our industry, strengthen our voice, and shape the future of tourism in our county. Attendees will have the opportunity to make new connections, share innovation and best practice, and above all champion our visitor economy.

“Be in the room. Be part of the conversation. Be part of the future.”

Tickets for the summit are available via Eventbrite.

Visit Pembrokeshire is the county’s official Destination Management Organisation (DMO), operating as a business-led public-private partnership. The organisation provides tourism leadership and advocacy, destination marketing, campaign delivery, business support, and research and intelligence.

It also coordinates delivery of Pembrokeshire’s 2024–2028 Destination Management Plan, a shared strategy aimed at growing tourism sustainably for the benefit of communities and businesses.

Pembrokeshire is a magical place to visit. After all, it’s home to plenty of wildlife, exceptional coastal walks, and mesmerising seaside views. As a result, it’s no wonder that those visiting America are hoping to find towns with the same spirit. While Pembrokeshire is uniquely Welsh and no place in America compares, there are some areas which are surprisingly alike. 

So, if you’re looking for places to go in America that have a similar vibe to Pembrokeshire, then here are some ideas. 

Big Sur, California 

Although California is considerably sunnier than southwest Wales, Big Sur does have an impressive stretch of coastline, plenty of dramatic cliffs, and a number of fantastic walking trails similar to Pembrokeshire. And with winding coastal roads nearby, you’ll feel right at home. 

The Oregon Coast 

Hundreds of miles of coast that feature a plethora of secluded beaches, jaw-dropping cliff views, and charming seaside towns are a perfect reflection of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. 

Away from busy city life and with a significant stretch of coastal path, the Oregon Coast is the perfect place to be, especially if you’re looking for an unforgettable road trip. Top tip: looking into the best car shipping company can make these longer coastal adventures easier and more flexible!

The Olympic Peninsula, Washington

In northwest Washington lies the Olympic Peninsula, a landscape complete with exposed cliffs, crashing waves, and quiet trails further inland. If you’re looking for a home away from home, this beautiful area of Washington is the perfect choice.

Acadia National Park, Maine 

Acadia National Park expertly reflects the coastal charm of Pembrokeshire. With narrow, winding roads by the shoreline, a number of delightful fishing villages, old stone walls, historic lighthouses, and endless scenic paths, there is an undeniable familiar feeling in Maine.

Find a home away from home in America 

Pembrokeshire is a one-of-a-kind place that’s rich in history and culture, so there’s no way to truly replicate it. However, there are several places in America that offer an essence of the southwest Wales county, with wild coastlines, beautiful sea views, scenic and peaceful trails, and vast greenery further inland. 

Whether you head west to California, Oregon, or Washington, or venture east into Maine, there are plenty of places to explore in America that offer the same magic as Pembrokeshire. So pack your bags, book your flights, and head to America for a trip of a lifetime!

A £180,000 loan from the Development Bank of Wales has helped bring a new eco-friendly tourism development to life overlooking the River Teifi in Cardigan.

Fronteifi Nature Lodges, created by husband-and-wife team Tim and Julia Percival, opened this autumn and offers high-quality, accessible and environmentally responsible accommodation designed to support the local visitor economy.

Having moved to Cardigan in January 2022, Tim, a retired architect, and Julia, who continues to work in social housing, set out to transform their 2.5-acre site into a small-scale, nature-led destination inspired by the surrounding Teifi Marshes.

Following full planning consent in 2023, the couple developed two five-star timber-framed lodges, alongside a garage with loft apartment, landscaped grounds, guest pathways and new drainage infrastructure. While most of the construction was self-funded, the £180,000 loan from the Development Bank’s Wales Tourism Fund supported completion of the Seren loft apartment and the final phase of hard landscaping and guest facilities.

The project has been delivered with a strong emphasis on sustainability and social value. Local tradespeople and specialist contractors were used throughout, while independent businesses from the surrounding area supplied furnishings, artwork, tree planting, ecological consultancy and guest services.

A wide range of low-carbon technologies has been incorporated, including photovoltaic panels, EV charging points, air-source heat pumps, sheep’s wool insulation, ground-screw foundations, eco stoves and sedum (green) roofs. Materials from existing buildings on site were reused wherever possible, and more than 35 new trees have been planted to enhance biodiversity and carbon capture.

The development aligns with sustainable tourism priorities set by Ceredigion County Council and has also benefited from a £50,000 Cynnal y Cardi grant, supported through the Shared Prosperity Fund.

Accessibility has been central to the design. The Tir and Afon lodges offer level access throughout, step-free entrances, level-access showers, and clear orientation features for guests with mobility or visual needs. Wheelchair-friendly pathways lead to a riverside deck and a purpose-built bird hide, Bwthyn Adar, overlooking the Teifi and its wildlife.

Fronteifi Nature Lodges can accommodate up to 12 guests across the two lodges and the Seren loft apartment, targeting visitors seeking modern, luxurious and sustainable accommodation in west Wales.

Each lodge features open-plan living areas, adjustable beds, digital access, luxury bathrooms, outdoor kitchens, hot tubs and welcome hampers showcasing seasonal local produce. The business also holds fishing rights on the Teifi and is listed with Canopy and Stars, connecting the site to audiences seeking high-end, nature-focused stays.

Julia Percival, co-founder of Fronteifi Nature Lodges, said: “The support from the Development Bank has enabled us to complete the final phase of the project while staying true to our environmental and community principles. We’re proud to have worked with so many local businesses and to offer guests the chance to experience the natural beauty of the Teifi Valley.”

David Knight, investment executive at the Development Bank of Wales, added: “Fronteifi Nature Lodges is a great example of a locally driven tourism project that combines sustainability, accessibility and community benefit. It aligns closely with the aims of the Wales Tourism Fund in supporting distinctive, high-quality destinations across Wales.”

The Wales Tourism Investment Fund is a £50 million fund, financed by the Welsh Government, offering loans between £100,000 and £5 million to support standout tourism projects that demonstrate innovation, sustainability and a commitment to the Economic Contract.