Business

Wales tourism industry criticises lack of support in Welsh Government budget

Published

9 months ago

March 8, 2025

THE WALES TOURISM ALLIANCE (WTA) has welcomed some elements of the Welsh Government’s latest budget but has raised concerns over what it describes as a lack of financial support for the tourism sector.

The WTA has praised the additional funding allocated to health and social care, as well as the introduction of a £1 bus ticket pilot for under-21s. It highlighted that many young people in Wales start their careers in tourism and hospitality, and this initiative will make public transport more accessible, helping their earnings go further.

However, the alliance is disappointed by the continued lack of investment in tourism, an industry that contributes approximately £3.8 billion annually to the Welsh economy. It is calling for more funding for visitor infrastructure and greater promotion of Wales as a destination.

Instead, the sector is facing what it describes as “punitive” policies from the Welsh Government, including the requirement for holiday lets to be occupied for at least 182 days a year to qualify for business rates and the proposed visitor levy.

Concerns over tourism policies

The 182-day rule, introduced to ensure that holiday lets contribute to the local economy rather than sitting empty, has been met with opposition from tourism businesses. Many in the sector argue that meeting such occupancy levels is unrealistic in certain areas, particularly in rural Wales, where seasonal tourism is dominant.

The proposed visitor levy, which would allow local authorities to impose a per-person, per-night charge on overnight stays, is another source of concern. The Welsh Government argues that the levy, which is common in other tourist destinations worldwide, will generate up to £33 million annually to fund local infrastructure and tourism services.

However, the WTA and business owners fear that the charge will discourage visitors and place further financial pressure on the industry at a time when businesses are already struggling with rising costs. Ashford Price from the National Showcaves Centre has described the proposal as “utter insanity,” warning that it could add up to £35 to a family’s weekly stay and significantly impact tourism-dependent communities.

Political reaction

Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, has strongly opposed the visitor levy, calling it “punitive” and warning that it will make visiting Wales more expensive during a cost-of-living crisis.

The Welsh Government has defended its policies, arguing that they are necessary to balance economic growth with sustainability and fairness to local communities. Mark Drakeford, in his role as finance secretary, has highlighted that such levies are standard practice in many international tourist destinations and provide a reliable revenue stream for reinvesting in tourism-related infrastructure.

Business response

Business organisations have expressed a mixed reaction to the budget. While they welcome some measures, such as the continuation of the 40% business rates relief for the retail, leisure, and hospitality sectors, they have called for more targeted support. Industry leaders want improvements to the planning process, greater business support for growth, and further reforms to the business rates system to help smaller businesses.

With tourism contributing significantly to the Welsh economy, industry representatives argue that the government must do more to protect businesses from financial pressures and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.

The WTA has urged the Welsh Government to reconsider its approach and work with the industry to create policies that support rather than hinder tourism in Wales.

Business

Holiday lets allowed to stay at Narberth dairy farm

Published

9 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for a Pembrokeshire dairy farm to keep two “alternative” holiday pods sited without permission as a way of diversifying in an uncertain industry has been given the go-ahead.

In an application recommended for approval at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Vaynor Farm Ltd sought retrospective permission for the siting of two self-catering holiday accommodation pods at The Cart House, Vaynor Farm, Bethesda, near Narberth as part of a farm diversification enterprise.

It was before committee members as it was recommended for delegated conditional approval by senior officers despite being against the development plan.

Previous retrospective schemes, for two self-catering pods along with an application to retain a shepherd hut accommodation pod at another farm, a part of the Vaynor Farm farm enterprise, were refused in 2023 and 2025, the latter due to “an unjustified and harmful impact on the character and appearance of the open countryside”.

Detailing the current application, an officer report for members said the pods: Vaynor Farm Pod within the garden of The Cart House, and The Paddock Pod, on the edge of a small paddock, were constructed off-site and have been transported to their current locations, with external decking, hot tubs, a barbecue area and car parking provided for each pod.

It added: “A business plan has been submitted with the application, which explains that due to uncertainties associated with dairy farming, the applicant has sought to diversify the farm enterprise to incorporate tourism accommodation.

“The application makes the case that the proposed development represents farm diversification. It is acknowledged that the development has resulted in the provision of an alternative type of holiday accommodation for which it has been demonstrated there is a demand, contributing to the diversity and quality of accommodation available within the county and supporting an existing farm business, with consequent economic and social benefits.

“Evidence has been provided that demonstrates the extent to which the pods have provided income which has been used to support the farm business.

“However, officers consider that should planning permission be granted, a [planning obligation] will be necessary to ensure that the accommodation pods continue to support the farm business and are not separated from it at some future point in time.”

Delegated conditional approval limiting the use and occupation of the self-catering accommodation pods to short term holiday use only was moved by Cllr Brian Hall and unanimously backed by committee members.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

20 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

1 day ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):