Business

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

Published

6 months 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

Manorbier caravan park call refused by national park

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL to allow a Pembrokeshire caravan park to change part of its site from touring vans to static units without a formal planning application has been refused.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Norfolk-based Park Farm Opco Ltd, through Chipping Norton-based agent Laister Planning Limited, sought a Lawful Development Certificate for the proposed stationing of static caravans in lieu of touring caravans, year-round, at Park Farm Holiday Park, Manorbier.

A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “The purpose of this application is to confirm that the touring caravans so permitted for year-round occupation on the western field at Park Farm, are capable of being replaced by static caravan pitches without effecting a material change of use. There is no specific number of touring or static caravans which is being sought at this juncture.”

It says Park Farm Holiday Park comprises of two areas, area A having some 61 owner-occupied static caravans, and area B used for touring caravan pitches and tents.

Planning permission was originally granted way back in 1956 for the caravan site, on a temporary basis, a Lawful Development Certificate for an existing use for the use of the site for up to 70 static caravans granted in December 1998, mainly covering area A.

The statement said the lawfulness of siting caravans year-round was previously confirmed by the park in 2024 “use as a campsite for touring caravans (not including twin-unit static caravans) and tents which shall be occupied for holiday use only and used as temporary, non-permanent units on a year-round basis”.

Of the proposals, it said: “The site is currently used for the stationing of touring caravans all year round. Most of the caravans on the site are stationed on what is called a ‘seasonal’ basis, where the owners leave them permanently stationed on the site and use them as holiday homes, paying an annual ‘seasonal’ fee.

“The proposed use of the site is to replace the permanently stationed touring caravans with permanently stationed static caravans. No specific number is provided, as no number is provided in any of the existing certificates, but it is anticipated that the total number of caravans in the application site will inevitably be reduced as the caravans are generally larger.

“There would be no other change in the way the site is operated, and the intention is to use the caravans for holiday purposes.”

An officer report recommending the certificate of lawfulness for the change be refused, saying it was “not satisfied that the evidence accompanying the application is sufficient to establish that the proposed use would be lawful”.

It said that while lawfulness certificates for tourers had been granted “it is considered that the siting of single-unit statics in lieu of those tourers, as now proposed, would be inconsistent with the lawful use of the site, and cannot be considered lawful in the same way,” adding “the changes proposed would result in a definable character change to the site of a magnitude that would be sufficient to amount to a material change of use requiring planning permission”.

The application for a certificate of lawfulness was refused on the grounds “the proposed use of the site would represent a material change of use requiring planning permission for which no permitted development rights exist, meaning a specific grant of planning permission is needed in order for the scheme to proceed”.

Business

Pembrokeshire Paddle West South Quay boat shed approved

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 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 given the go-ahead by county planners.

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

A supporting statement said: “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 added: “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 went 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 added: “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, supported by Pembroke Town Council, was conditionally approved by county planners.

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

Ty Bert Caribbean Kitchen brings taste of the Caribbean to Newport

Published

3 days ago

May 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW café has opened in Newport, Pembrokeshire, bringing Caribbean flavours to the seaside town — with affordable bed and breakfast accommodation also planned for the near future.

Ty Bert Caribbean Kitchen has opened in the former youth hostel at the old school on Lower St Mary Street.

The venture is being run by Newport local Roberta James, who hopes to reopen the building’s five bedrooms as budget accommodation as soon as possible.

The café, which opened earlier this month, serves Caribbean dishes including jerk chicken, barbecue pork belly and goat curry, alongside more traditional options such as baked potatoes, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cold drinks and cake.

Roberta said the idea began after she responded to a Facebook post by Newport Town Council asking what the hostel, which had been closed since Covid, could be used for.

Soon afterwards, she was putting together a business plan and submitting it to Pembrokeshire County Council, drawing on her family’s background in catering and hospitality.

“I wanted to bring it back as a hostel but also have a place for the community and somewhere to use for events and groups,” she said.

The Caribbean theme was inspired by a holiday to Antigua.

Roberta said: “I am a foodie and I loved the food there. It was simple and flavoursome.”

She is recreating those flavours with the help of her friend Jason, who is from the Caribbean.

Box meals are available to eat in or take away, with protein mains served with rice, potato, coleslaw and salad for £12.95.

“The menu is perfect for families or for people that like a bit of spice and something a bit different,” Roberta said.

Customers have already been taking meals down to the beach or Parrog, while those eating in can use the downstairs café seating or a large family-friendly room upstairs, complete with big tables and board games.

Roberta said: “The response has been really good. We have had a lot of the locals coming in. They have been really supportive.

“During the Easter holidays we had tourists coming in. They really enjoyed having something different and reasonably priced.”

Ty Bert Caribbean Kitchen is currently open from Friday to Monday, from 12:00pm to 8:00pm, with plans to open on Thursdays later in the season. Diners are also welcome to bring a bottle with their meal.

Roberta said she hopes to open the hostel as soon as possible. Painting parties have already been held to freshen up the two dormitory rooms, two double rooms and one family room.

She is now waiting for Pembrokeshire County Council, which is leasing the property to her, to repair the boiler.

Roberta said transforming the former hostel into boutique budget accommodation, while creating the café, had been a real community effort, with friends and local businesses pitching in.

“There have been lots of lovely people in the community offering to help,” she said. “They want us to succeed, which is really nice.”

More information is available on the Ty Bert Facebook page.