Business

Welsh tourism at risk as Oakwood closure sparks wider concerns

Published

1 year ago

March 5, 2025

THE CLOSURE of Oakwood Theme Park has sent shockwaves through the Welsh tourism industry, with fears mounting that it signals the start of a wider crisis for hospitality and tourism businesses across the country.

With over 20% of Pembrokeshire’s workforce employed in tourism and hospitality, the park’s sudden closure will not only impact its employees but have wider economic repercussions. Local businesses, from hotels and B&Bs to restaurants and attractions, are expected to feel the effects as visitor numbers decline.

Photo credit: Claire Evans (Diary of the Evans-Crittens)

A combination of decisions by both the Welsh and UK governments has led to mounting pressure on the sector. Increases in National Insurance, council tax premiums, the introduction of a 182-day minimum occupancy rule for holiday lets, and the proposed Welsh visitor levy (commonly referred to as a ‘tourist tax’) are all adding strain on businesses already struggling with rising costs.

Despite these concerns, First Minister Mark Drakeford MS recently denied in a Senedd finance committee evidence session that these policies were having a cumulative impact on tourism. However, industry leaders and local businesses argue otherwise, warning that the sector cannot withstand so many policy changes without long-term damage.

Tourism is worth an estimated £3.8 billion to the Welsh economy annually, providing employment in many areas where alternative job opportunities are scarce. Without sustainable policies that support the sector, local communities could see an exodus of workers forced to leave in search of employment elsewhere.

Neverland: At Oakwood Theme Park in 2017

A spokesperson for the industry commented: “It is surely becoming obvious that a single sector cannot swallow so many changes without there being a cumulative – and wide-ranging – effect which will filter out to the whole economy. Many parts of Wales are reliant on tourism, and without it, communities will struggle to survive.”

Local MP Henry Tufnell also voiced his concerns about the closure, stating: “The closure of Oakwood Theme Park is incredibly disappointing news for Pembrokeshire. For over 30 years, it has been a much-loved attraction, bringing enjoyment to families across Wales and beyond, as well as supporting local jobs and the tourism industry.

My first thoughts are with the staff who have lost their jobs. This will be an extremely difficult time for them, and I urge Aspro Parks to provide as much support as possible.

Oakwood has been an iconic part of Pembrokeshire’s visitor economy, drawing tourists, creating employment, and contributing to local businesses that have relied on its success. Its closure will undoubtedly be felt across the community, and we must now focus on what comes next for the site and the people affected. The last thing Pembrokeshire needs is a derelict site that is sat empty for years.

I will be speaking with stakeholders to understand the full impact of this decision and what can be done to support those affected. If you need assistance, please do get in touch with my office.”

With Oakwood’s closure described as “just the tip of the iceberg,” concerns are growing that more tourism businesses across Wales could soon follow suit unless urgent action is taken to protect the industry.

Business

Pembroke South Quay boat shed expansion plans submitted

Published

7 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PADDLEBOARDING and canoeing company’s call for an extension to a boat shed at Pembroke’s South Quay, below its historic castle, has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, G Booth of Paddle West CIC, through agent James Dwyer Associates, seeks permission for an extension to the stone-built boathouse, adjacent to the cliff on South Quay fronting the Mill Pond, Pembroke.

A supporting statement says: “It is intended to erect a single storey ‘lean-to’ building, or ‘shed’ for the storage of boats, such as canoes and kayaks, and related equipment, on a vacant space adjacent to the existing stone-built boathouse.”

It adds: “The boathouse and the intended adjacent boat storage shed is located, as is to be expected, in close proximity to water, the Mill Pond. The Mill Pond is the main area of activity for Paddle West, a Community Interest Company, providing boating activities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, frequently for young people and families.”

It goes on to say: “It is intended that the structure would be lightweight, erected on the exiting hard standing. The ‘shed’ would be used for the storage of boats and related equipment.”

With regard to the historic setting, it adds: “Although the stone-built boathouse appears not to be listed, it is recognised that the walls above are listed and together they are a piece.

“Accordingly, through form and external materials proposed, timber cladding and profile sheet roofing, the aim is to ensure that the structure would be subservient and muted and not detract or compete with the visual aesthetic of the boathouse or historic walls. In effect the addition would blend into the background.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

The boathouse is sited near to the new Henry Tudor Centre in South Quay, which is due to open in Spring 2027.

The centre, expected to receive around 30,000 visitors a year, will tell the story of Henry Tudor, son of Pembroke, his Welsh ancestry and his impact on our national story, Welsh culture and our wider British heritage.

The restored derelict South Quay buildings will also house a new library and community café, and a healthcare, social services and supported employment facility in the adjoining premises.

Business

Pembrokeshire hospitality rates relief scheme backed

Published

9 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A WELSH Government-funded scheme to provide rates relief for hospitality businesses has been backed by senior Pembrokeshire councillors.

A report for members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet at their March meeting said: “Welsh Government has introduced the Food and Drink Hospitality Rates Relief, this relief is aimed at eligible businesses in Wales in the food and drink hospitality sector for example, pubs, restaurants, cafes, bars and live music venues.

“The aim of the relief is to support eligible businesses to manage continued cost pressures. The relief will apply to all eligible occupied properties by offering a discount of 15 per cent on non-domestic rate bills for the period April 1 to March 31, 2027. The relief is capped at £110,000 per business across Wales.

“As this is a temporary measure, Welsh Government is providing the relief by reimbursing local authorities that use their discretionary relief powers under Section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988.”

It concluded: “The food and drink hospitality rates relief 2026-27 requires the local authority to adopt a discretionary scheme [as outlined] and in accordance with the criteria and conditions specified in the guidance issued by Welsh Government.

“It is proposed that Cabinet resolve to adopt [the scheme] which can be applied to administer the relief. Welsh Government will reimburse local authorities for the relief provided in line with their guidance via a grant under section 31 of the Local Government Act 2003.”

Members backed the recommendation.

All eligible businesses must apply for this relief by the March 31, 2027, and an application form will be available on the council’s website from the April 1.

The maximum cash value of the rates relief allowed, across all properties in Wales occupied by the same business should not exceed £110,000. Businesses claiming the relief must declare that the amount being claimed does not exceed those limits.

Business

Rosemarket Dawn Till Dusk golf club 18-hole plans lodged

Published

1 day ago

March 20, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL to extend a long-established Pembrokeshire golf club, bringing it up to a full 18 holes, has been submitted to county planners.

In the application, Mr and Mrs Young, through agent Preseli Planning Ltd, seek a change of use of land adjoining the Dawn Till Dusk Golf Club, Furze Hill Farm, Bastleford Road, Rosemarket, to form an extension to the existing golf course, along with landscaping and associated works.

A supporting statement through the agent says: “The application seeks full planning permission for the enlargement of the existing golf course to provide an additional six holes, to provide a total of 18 holes.

“The proposal would involve minor landscaping works to the fields and boundaries and the creation of a small number of ponds and bunkers. The extension would be located on land to the west of Furze Hill Farm and on the opposite side of the road to the existing golf course and clubhouse.

“An altered access to the land parcel is proposed as part of this application, which would provide an improved route for users crossing the public highway to avoid conflict with movements at the main entrance.

“The application site exceeds 1ha and therefore the proposal is considered major development necessitating a Pre-Application Consultation prior to formally submitting the planning application to the Local Planning Authority.”

It adds: “The existing golf course has operated in excess of 30 years and is popular with both visitors and locals. Club membership currently stands at approximately 350 and there is demand for enhancing the provisions of the course.

“The applicants’ sons have recently increased their involvement in the enterprise and in recent years wet winter months have necessitated the closure of the course, or parts of it, due to the ground becoming waterlogged, primarily due to the flat nature of the existing course.

“The extension would provide variation to the terrain, providing, dryer conditions, as well as the ability to alternate between the existing and proposed to maintain use, enhancing the viability of the enterprise.”