Key figures from hospitality, tourism and culture to headline major county event

THE VISIT Pembrokeshire Tourism Summit will return on Wednesday, Marcn 26, bringing together leading voices from across the visitor economy for the county’s flagship industry event.

Hosted once again at Folly Farm, the annual summit is open to anyone involved in — or with an interest in — tourism in Pembrokeshire. This year’s theme, Shaping the Future Together: Sustainable Growth for Pembrokeshire, will focus on collaboration, innovation and long-term development across the sector.

Organisers say the event is the largest in Visit Pembrokeshire’s calendar, attracting tourism professionals, business owners, strategic partners and representatives from the public and third sectors.

The keynote speaker will be Kate Nicholls OBE, Chair and former Chief Executive of UKHospitality, widely regarded as one of the UK’s most influential advocates for the hospitality and tourism industries. She has played a central role in shaping national policy and championing the sector’s contribution to local economies.

Jason Thomas, Director of Visit Wales, will provide an update on national tourism priorities, while John Davies, Chair of the Executive Committee for the 2026 National Eisteddfod, will also address delegates. A former leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Mr Davies brings extensive experience of both local government and national organisations.

Emma Thornton, Chief Executive of Visit Pembrokeshire, will open the summit by outlining the organisation’s ten-year vision for the Pembrokeshire visitor economy.

She said: “The Visit Pembrokeshire 2026 Tourism Summit will be a day to unite our industry, strengthen our voice, and shape the future of tourism in our county. Attendees will have the opportunity to make new connections, share innovation and best practice, and above all champion our visitor economy.

“Be in the room. Be part of the conversation. Be part of the future.”

Tickets for the summit are available via Eventbrite.

Visit Pembrokeshire is the county’s official Destination Management Organisation (DMO), operating as a business-led public-private partnership. The organisation provides tourism leadership and advocacy, destination marketing, campaign delivery, business support, and research and intelligence.

It also coordinates delivery of Pembrokeshire’s 2024–2028 Destination Management Plan, a shared strategy aimed at growing tourism sustainably for the benefit of communities and businesses.

A £180,000 loan from the Development Bank of Wales has helped bring a new eco-friendly tourism development to life overlooking the River Teifi in Cardigan.

Fronteifi Nature Lodges, created by husband-and-wife team Tim and Julia Percival, opened this autumn and offers high-quality, accessible and environmentally responsible accommodation designed to support the local visitor economy.

Having moved to Cardigan in January 2022, Tim, a retired architect, and Julia, who continues to work in social housing, set out to transform their 2.5-acre site into a small-scale, nature-led destination inspired by the surrounding Teifi Marshes.

Following full planning consent in 2023, the couple developed two five-star timber-framed lodges, alongside a garage with loft apartment, landscaped grounds, guest pathways and new drainage infrastructure. While most of the construction was self-funded, the £180,000 loan from the Development Bank’s Wales Tourism Fund supported completion of the Seren loft apartment and the final phase of hard landscaping and guest facilities.

The project has been delivered with a strong emphasis on sustainability and social value. Local tradespeople and specialist contractors were used throughout, while independent businesses from the surrounding area supplied furnishings, artwork, tree planting, ecological consultancy and guest services.

A wide range of low-carbon technologies has been incorporated, including photovoltaic panels, EV charging points, air-source heat pumps, sheep’s wool insulation, ground-screw foundations, eco stoves and sedum (green) roofs. Materials from existing buildings on site were reused wherever possible, and more than 35 new trees have been planted to enhance biodiversity and carbon capture.

The development aligns with sustainable tourism priorities set by Ceredigion County Council and has also benefited from a £50,000 Cynnal y Cardi grant, supported through the Shared Prosperity Fund.

Accessibility has been central to the design. The Tir and Afon lodges offer level access throughout, step-free entrances, level-access showers, and clear orientation features for guests with mobility or visual needs. Wheelchair-friendly pathways lead to a riverside deck and a purpose-built bird hide, Bwthyn Adar, overlooking the Teifi and its wildlife.

Fronteifi Nature Lodges can accommodate up to 12 guests across the two lodges and the Seren loft apartment, targeting visitors seeking modern, luxurious and sustainable accommodation in west Wales.

Each lodge features open-plan living areas, adjustable beds, digital access, luxury bathrooms, outdoor kitchens, hot tubs and welcome hampers showcasing seasonal local produce. The business also holds fishing rights on the Teifi and is listed with Canopy and Stars, connecting the site to audiences seeking high-end, nature-focused stays.

Julia Percival, co-founder of Fronteifi Nature Lodges, said: “The support from the Development Bank has enabled us to complete the final phase of the project while staying true to our environmental and community principles. We’re proud to have worked with so many local businesses and to offer guests the chance to experience the natural beauty of the Teifi Valley.”

David Knight, investment executive at the Development Bank of Wales, added: “Fronteifi Nature Lodges is a great example of a locally driven tourism project that combines sustainability, accessibility and community benefit. It aligns closely with the aims of the Wales Tourism Fund in supporting distinctive, high-quality destinations across Wales.”

The Wales Tourism Investment Fund is a £50 million fund, financed by the Welsh Government, offering loans between £100,000 and £5 million to support standout tourism projects that demonstrate innovation, sustainability and a commitment to the Economic Contract.

Kilgetty destination takes top honours at national Hoseasons awards

FOLLY FARM HOLIDAY PARK has been crowned the Best Small Lodge Resort in Britain at Hoseasons’ 19th annual awards ceremony.

The Kilgetty-based park picked up the top national title after receiving some of the highest scores in independent guest satisfaction surveys throughout the 2025 season. It was also named Best Small Lodge Escape destination in Wales.

The awards were presented at the Hilton Metropole in Brighton in front of more than 600 operators, suppliers and members of the Hoseasons team.

Chris Ebbsworth, Director at Folly Farm Holiday Park, said: “We are very proud of these awards. Our team always goes above and beyond to make sure our guests have a fantastic break when they stay with us, so it’s brilliant to see that hard work recognised in this way.”

Folly Farm Holiday Park is part of Hoseasons’ Evermore collection of luxury lodge locations aimed at families and groups looking to unwind in countryside and coastal settings.

Presenting the award, Neil Davies, Hoseasons’ Director of Commercial and Business Development, said: “The team at Folly Farm Holiday Park really are incredibly worthy winners. They always go the extra mile to delight our customers – something clearly reflected in their excellent review scores. We are grateful for their continuing partnership and wish them all the very best for another great year in 2026.”

More information about Folly Farm Holiday Park and other Hoseasons holidays is available at hoseasons.co.uk.

Pictured:

Members of the Folly Farm Holiday Park team — Chris Ebbsworth, Sarah Mattick, Zoe Wright and Jamie Ebsworth — receiving their award from Neil Davies (far right).