News

New £1m fund to boost Welsh tourism come rain or shine

Published

8 months ago

April 30, 2025

A NEW £1 million fund will help ensure that tourism attractions across Wales can welcome visitors whatever the weather.

The ‘Year of Croeso Weather-Proofing Fund’ is being launched as Visit Wales celebrates the unique Welsh welcome that draws visitors back time and again.

The fund will provide grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 to eligible businesses, supporting them to implement weather-proofing measures.

Tourism is a major contributor to the Welsh economy, injecting £3.8 billion each year, and showcasing the wide range of experiences Wales has to offer — come rain or shine.

However, recent data from Visit Wales showed that poor weather was cited by 55% of businesses as the main reason for fewer visitors during summer 2024, ranking even ahead of cost-of-living pressures. Similarly, the Domestic Sentiment Tracker survey identified poor UK weather as the top factor discouraging domestic breaks.

Grants could be used for a variety of improvements, including canopies, sustainable drainage systems, covered seating areas, visitor shelters, and enhanced pathways and car park surfaces.

Announcing the fund, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Rebecca Evans said: “Wales has an incredibly strong tourism offer and visitors can always be guaranteed a warm croeso.

But the weather — which has shaped our stunning landscapes — is becoming increasingly unpredictable and is now identified as the single biggest factor affecting visitor numbers to Welsh attractions.

Poor weather can impact normal operations, harm visitor experience, and even discourage visits altogether.

That’s why we have listened to the concerns of the tourism sector and launched this fund — to help attractions prepare for increasingly variable weather patterns.”

The Welsh Government’s tourism strategy, ‘Welcome to Wales: Priorities for the Visitor Economy 2020–25’, highlights the importance of tackling seasonality by promoting Wales as a year-round destination.

Welsh Government support for the sector in the coming financial year includes:

Visit Wales: Over £9 million revenue budget and £6 million capital budget
A £50 million Wales Tourism Investment Fund
A £5 million Brilliant Basics Fund

The Cabinet Secretary added: “All visitors, wherever they come from, will find a destination delivering an outstanding experience — and we are always working to build on and improve Wales’ tourism offer.

These grants will help tourism attractions become more resilient, extend their seasons, and enhance the visitor experience — benefiting both businesses and the wider Welsh economy.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

5 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

5 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

5 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.