Newtown took center stage at the recent annual meeting of MWT Cymru (Mid Wales Tourism), where the importance of collaboration and unity within the tourism industry was passionately discussed.

The meeting, held at Hafan yr Afon, brought together approximately 600 representatives from tourism and hospitality businesses across Mid Wales. Key speakers, including MWT Cymru Chairman Rowland Rees-Evans, Chief Executive Val Hawkins, MBE, and Wales Tourism Alliance Chairman Suzy Davies, emphasized the critical need for businesses to unite in the face of challenges.

The impact of Welsh Government legislation on the industry was a central theme during the members' forum that followed the annual meeting. Mrs. Hawkins, addressing her final meeting before retirement, underscored MWT Cymru's role in promoting Mid Wales as a must-visit destination.

"We are experienced at working at the interface of the private and public sectors, and it's extremely important that we build on that collaborative approach," Mrs. Hawkins stated.

Highlighting the need for unity in uncertain times, she encouraged businesses to collaborate with MWT Cymru and Visit Wales to attract international visitors by offering unique experiences. Mrs. Hawkins also announced plans to expand seasonal and themed offers, aiming to attract more visitors in 2024 through a rewards and incentives project funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

Mrs. Davies, the Wales Tourism Alliance Chairman, acknowledged positive signs that the Welsh Government is beginning to listen to concerns from industry leaders regarding new legislation. She stressed the importance of a united front when dealing with issues such as the statutory regulation of accommodation providers, a proposed tourism tax, and a reduction in the school summer holiday in Wales.

"We need to stand together with a united voice and avoid any sense of isolation when representing the tourism industry. What we are doing collectively is working," Mrs. Davies remarked.

Mr. Rees-Evans expressed gratitude to the Wales Tourism Alliance for its work on behalf of the industry and commended MWT Cymru staff for keeping members informed about Welsh Government legislation. He emphasized that MWT Cymru plays a crucial role in giving tourism and hospitality businesses in Mid Wales a voice.

"MWT Cymru enables us to punch above our weight in terms of the work we do on behalf of the industry, and it’s really important that tourism businesses become members if they want to have an influence," Mr. Rees-Evans noted.

The meeting also saw the re-election of Greg Loweth as a Powys trade director and the appointment of Shane Logan to the board, symbolizing the ongoing commitment to regional representation.

MWT Cymru, representing over 600 tourism and hospitality operators across Powys, Ceredigion, and Southern Snowdonia, continues to invite businesses to join the not-for-profit organization, emphasizing the importance of a united front to ensure the prosperity and resilience of Newtown and the broader Mid Wales region. Interested parties can contact MWT Cymru at Tel: 01654 702653 or email: [email protected].