Conservatives say tax plans and 182-day rule are piling pressure on west Wales sector

TOURISM businesses across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion are facing a “perfect storm” of pressures at the very start of the holiday season, according to two senior Welsh Conservative figures.

With the Easter holidays traditionally marking the start of the main tourism period, firms across west Wales would normally be preparing to welcome visitors and generate crucial income after the winter months.

But Paul Davies MS and Senedd candidate Sam Kurtz say confidence in the sector is being undermined by rising costs, new regulations and what they describe as damaging policy decisions.

Tourism remains one of the main economic drivers in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, supporting thousands of jobs and a wide range of small and medium-sized businesses.

Mr Davies said: “Easter is the starting point for the tourism season in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. It’s when businesses begin to recover after winter and build momentum for the year ahead. But instead of optimism, many are facing a perfect storm created by rising costs and damaging policy decisions that we voted against.”

Mr Kurtz added: “Tourism is the backbone of the economy in Penfro and across west Wales. But policies like the proposed tourism tax and changes such as the 182-day rule are adding uncertainty and pressure at exactly the wrong time.”

Concerns raised by businesses include the impact of the 182-day rule, which requires many self-catering operators to meet higher occupancy thresholds or face increased tax bills.

There is also concern about the proposed visitor levy, which critics say could deter tourists and make Wales less competitive than other parts of the UK.

Operators are also dealing with rising day-to-day costs, including business rates, energy bills, staffing pressures and increased compliance demands.

Mr Davies said: “These policies might be well-intentioned, but the cumulative effect is damaging. At the very point the season begins, businesses are being hit with uncertainty and additional costs that threaten their viability.”

Setting out the Welsh Conservatives’ position, he said the party would scrap plans for a tourism tax, work with councils to expand free town centre parking, and reduce the 182-day threshold to 105 days.

He said: “Our focus would be on making west Wales a competitive, welcoming destination for visitors while supporting local jobs and communities.”

Mr Kurtz said: “The difference is clear. Welsh Conservatives back small businesses and understand the importance of tourism to rural economies. We want to reduce burdens, restore confidence, and ensure Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion remain top destinations for visitors from across the UK and beyond.”

He added that the issue was about more than tourism operators alone.

“This is about jobs, communities, and the future of tourism in west Wales,” he said. “Easter should bring opportunity and confidence, not additional concern about whether businesses can survive the year ahead.”

Industry figures are now calling for a more balanced approach that supports sustainable tourism while recognising the sector’s importance to rural communities.

Tom Sinclair appeared live from 7:00am to 9:00am, offering local knowledge and insight on west Wales issues

THE EDITOR of The Pembrokeshire Herald was part of BBC Radio Wales Breakfast on Tuesday morning, appearing live throughout the full two-hour programme.

Tom Sinclair joined the broadcast from 7:00am to 9:00am as a presenter’s friend, assisting with local knowledge and contributing insight on issues affecting communities in west Wales.

The appearance placed Sinclair at the heart of one of BBC Radio Wales’ flagship breakfast shows, with discussion ranging across local matters and the political debate surrounding healthcare and public services in the region.

It comes at a time when west Wales issues are increasingly moving into the national spotlight, particularly ahead of the Senedd election campaign, with hospital services, transport, rural concerns and the wider future of communities in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion all high on the agenda.

Sinclair said the broadcast had gone well and described it as a valuable opportunity to bring a grounded west Wales perspective to a national audience.

The appearance underlines the growing recognition of local expertise in shaping wider Welsh political and public debate.

Photo caption:

On air: Tom Sinclair during BBC Radio Wales Breakfast on Tuesday morning (Pic: BBC Radio Wales).

Visitors can stay among rescued animals, enjoy countryside calm and unwind with tours and vegan beauty treatments near Tegryn

TUCKED away in the Pembrokeshire countryside near Tegryn, Little Pigs at Home offers visitors the chance to slow down, switch off and enjoy a truly different kind of rural escape.

Run by husband-and-wife team Susan, known as Suki, and Aaron, Little Pigs at Home Animal Sanctuary provides a safe and caring home for pigs that have been abandoned, surrendered or need specialist support. Some arrive frightened, some have ongoing health needs, and others require long-term care. At the sanctuary, they are given exactly that.

The sanctuary has become known not only for its rescue work, but also for offering visitors the chance to experience life among the animals in a peaceful countryside setting. Guests regularly highlight the quiet location, beautiful surroundings and the joy of meeting the animals as some of the most memorable parts of their stay.

Alongside the sanctuary is Rosehaven Retreat, where visitors can stay overnight in on-site cabin and caravan accommodation surrounded by the calm of rural Pembrokeshire. Many guests say the setting offers a welcome escape from busy everyday life, with the peaceful atmosphere and rolling countryside helping them to properly unwind.

For families, the chance to wake up to the sounds of the animals and watch the pigs heading out in the morning has proved especially popular. Children, in particular, quickly fall in love with the pigs and other rescue animals, making it a memorable break for younger visitors as well as adults.

Guests can also book guided tours to meet the animals, learn their stories and see first-hand the dedication involved in caring for those with complex needs. For many visitors, spending time with the animals becomes the true highlight of the experience.

Anyone can book a stay, but visitors do not need to stay overnight to enjoy what Little Pigs at Home has to offer. Tours and treatments can also be booked separately.

Adding to the appeal, Suki also runs an on-site vegan wellness salon, offering a range of relaxing treatments in a calm and welcoming setting. The salon adds another dimension to the experience, allowing visitors to combine a countryside retreat with a little extra pampering.

Income from overnight stays and salon treatments helps support the sanctuary’s day-to-day work, alongside donations from people who want to help give rescued animals a safe and loving home.

Together, the sanctuary, retreat and salon offer something genuinely unusual — a place where visitors can relax, reconnect with nature and directly support animals in need at the same time.

Rosehaven Retreat stays are available through Airbnb, with prices typically ranging from £70 to £90 per night.

To find out more or book, visit:

Airbnb: http://airbnb.com/h/nannyjillscabin

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