Business

Tourism pressures: Davies and Kurtz warn of “perfect storm” for West Wales

Published

2 weeks ago

November 20, 2025

MSs say cumulative policies risk pushing long-standing operators to the brink – Welsh Government insists reforms will strengthen sector in the long term

WEST WALES’ visitor economy is heading into one of its most challenging off-seasons in recent memory, senior politicians have warned, as small accommodation providers face rising costs, tightening consumer demand and a raft of new regulations arriving at once.

Preseli Pembrokeshire MS Paul Davies and Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MS Samuel Kurtz say the region’s long-standing tourism operators – many of them small family-run B&Bs, holiday cottages and rural retreats – are now dealing with “cumulative pressures” that are beginning to feel overwhelming.

Their warnings follow a mixed summer season across Pembrokeshire, with operators reporting decent spells of weather but noticeably weaker footfall during the shoulder months, shorter stays, and more last-minute cancellations as households continue to cut back.

Cumulative pressures hitting at once

Businesses across West Wales say they are struggling to absorb multiple financial and regulatory changes arriving in quick succession.

As well as the Welsh Government’s plans for a tourism levy and the new all-Wales registration scheme for holiday accommodation, providers are adapting to council tax premiums linked to the 182-night threshold for self-catering properties.

These measures are landing at the same time as:

rising wage bills following this year’s minimum wage uplift,
higher employer National Insurance contributions,
utilities and commercial insurance costs that remain far above pre-pandemic levels,
and a broader slowdown in UK domestic holiday spending as the cost-of-living crisis continues.

Many smaller operators rely on strong summer takings to carry them through winter. Several have told The Herald the convergence of pressures now feels like a “perfect storm”, with some trimming staff hours, postponing maintenance or delaying planned investment until the outlook stabilises.

Tourism bodies say the effects are especially sharp in Pembrokeshire, where thousands of jobs – from Tenby and Saundersfoot to St Davids, Newport, Solva and the Preseli villages – depend on a reliable and healthy visitor economy.

There is also concern about the impact on casual hosts and small-scale providers who increase capacity during major events such as Ironman Wales, Long Course Weekend, the Bluestone Marathon and Pembrokeshire’s packed summer festival calendar.

***Paul Davies MS wants the Welsh Government to listen to the People of Pembrokeshire***

Paul Davies MS: “Ministers must listen to those on the ground”

Preseli Pembrokeshire MS Paul Davies said operators have been “clear and consistent” about the cumulative impact of rapid policy change.

“Tourism businesses in West Wales have been clear about the challenges they face and yet rather than providing support, governments at both ends of the M4 have introduced measures that have added further pressure to the sector,” he said.

“I have consistently called on the Welsh Government to engage constructively with tourism operators and to work collaboratively on solutions that will support local tourism businesses.

“Ministers must listen to those on the ground, remove unnecessary regulations, and deliver practical support that ensures the long-term sustainability of the tourism sector in Wales.”

Davies said several business owners had contacted him to express growing anxiety about the winter period, with some already scaling back operations in the face of uncertainty.

***Sam Kurtz MS says he is concerned about red tape being a barrier to business in West Wales***

Samuel Kurtz MS: “Tourism is the backbone of the West Wales economy”

Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MS Samuel Kurtz said the timing of recent changes risks weakening a sector that remains one of West Wales’ strongest economic pillars.

“Tourism is the backbone of our economy in West Wales, and as we enter the quieter months many local businesses will be feeling the pressure more than ever,” he said.

“Instead of adding layers of costly red tape, the Welsh Government should be supporting operators who are already battling the 182-night threshold, rising wage bills and increased NI costs, all on top of reduced footfall as the season ends.”

He added: “The cumulative effect of these changes is taking a devastating toll on the tourism industry. Ministers must pause, listen, and rethink before more long-standing businesses are pushed to the brink.

Welsh Government response and broader context

Welsh ministers maintain that the reforms are necessary to modernise the sector, protect communities, and ensure that tourism remains sustainable in the long term.

The all-Wales registration scheme, they argue, will help identify poor-quality accommodation, improve safety standards, and give councils better data when making decisions about housing pressure in coastal and rural communities.

The tourism levy, they say, simply brings Wales in line with many European nations, with revenue raised locally to support services relied upon by visitors – from car parks and toilets to coastal paths and waste collection.

A Welsh Government spokesperson has previously said the seasonal nature of the sector “requires a sustainable model that works for communities as well as visitors and businesses”, with reforms forming part of a wider plan to “balance the needs of residents, workers and the environment”.

Industry calls for “joined-up thinking”

Tourism associations across Wales have repeatedly stressed that the challenge lies not with any single measure but with several arriving simultaneously.

Some operators have already exited the market citing an unfavourable environment, while others are waiting to see whether domestic holidaymakers will return in greater numbers next year or whether the shift towards cheaper overseas breaks will continue.

With winter now settling in, the coming months will prove a critical test of resilience for a sector that remains central to Pembrokeshire’s rural economy, its employment base, and its cultural identity.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

7 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

11 hours 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):

13 February 2026: AF4148 departs 17:00 (arrives 17:30)
14 February 2026: AF4148 departs 14:00 (arrives 14:30)
15 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
15 February 2026: AF4150 departs 19:40 (arrives 20:10)
16 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
16 February 2026: AF4150 departs 16:30 (arrives 17:00)

Cardiff (CWL) → Paris (CDG):

13 February 2026: AF4149 departs 18:20 (arrives 20:50)
14 February 2026: AF4149 departs 15:20 (arrives 17:50)
15 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
15 February 2026: AF4151 departs 21:00 (arrives 23:30)
16 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
16 February 2026: AF4151 departs 17:50 (arrives 20:20)

Business

Cwm Deri Vineyard Martletwy holiday lets plans deferred

Published

18 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

CALLS to convert a former vineyard restaurant in rural Pembrokeshire which had been recommended for refusal has been given a breathing space by planners.

In an application recommended for refusal at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Barry Cadogan sought permission for a farm diversification and expansion of an existing holiday operation through the conversion of the redundant former Cwm Deri vineyard production base and restaurant to three holiday lets at Oaklea, Martletwy.

It was recommended for refusal on the grounds of the open countryside location being contrary to planning policy and there was no evidence submitted that the application would not increase foul flows and that nutrient neutrality in the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC would be achieved within this catchment.

An officer report said that, while the scheme was suggested as a form of farm diversification, no detail had been provided in the form of a business case.

Speaking at the meeting, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, after the committee had enjoyed a seasonal break for mince pies, said of the recommendation for refusal: “I’m a bit grumpy over this one; the client has done everything right, he has talked with the authority and it’s not in retrospect but has had a negative report from your officers.”

He said the former Cwm Deri vineyard had been a very successful business, with a shop and a restaurant catering for ‘100 covers’ before it closed two three years ago when the original owner relocated to Carmarthenshire.

He said Mr Cadogan then bought the site, farming over 36 acres and running a small campsite of 20 spaces, but didn’t wish to run a café or a wine shop; arguing the “beautiful kitchen” and facilities would easily convert to holiday let use.

He said a “common sense approach” showed a septic tank that could cope with a restaurant of “100 covers” could cope with three holiday lets, describing the nitrates issue as “a red herring”.

He suggested a deferral for further information to be provided by the applicant, adding: “This is a big, missed opportunity if we just kick this out today, there’s a building sitting there not creating any jobs.”

On the ‘open countryside’ argument, he said that while many viewed Martletwy as “a little bit in the sticks” there was already permission for the campsite, and the restaurant, and the Bluestone holiday park and the Wild Lakes water park were roughly a mile or so away.

He said converting the former restaurant would “be an asset to bring it over to tourism,” adding: “We don’t all want to stay in Tenby or the Ty Hotel in Milford Haven.”

While Cllr Nick Neuman felt the nutrients issue could be overcome, Cllr Michael Williams warned the application was “clearly outside policy,” recommending it be refused.

A counter-proposal, by Cllr Tony Wilcox, called for a site visit before any decision was made, the application returning to a future committee; members voting seven to three in favour of that.