ASSETS to tourism in Llandudno

[SteveH]

Wales tourism tax: What we know so far about visitor levy, from when it's coming in to who will pay
Some key questions over the new visitor levy in Wales

While overshadowed by the reaction to the 20mph default limit, Welsh Government's planned tourism tax is another piece of devolved legislation that has sparked debate. The government wants to introduce a visitor levy in Wales in the coming years.

There has been a backlash, with this mainly coming from the tourism and hospitality sectors who fear it will deter visitors and burden them with additional bureaucracy. Tourism taxes are now fairly commonplace in parts of Europe and across the world but the sectors will rightly point out that nearly all of these countries have lower VAT rates than the UK.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wales-tourism-tax-what-know-29139214

[SteveH]

'Toxic' Welsh tourist tax survives axe as country battles 'over-tourism'
A Senedd motion to reduce the 182-day occupancy rule in Wales was also rejected

Efforts to derail Wales’ proposed tourist tax have ended in predictable failure. While critics in the Senedd argued it will deter overnight visitors, and pile more pressure on a struggling tourism sector, supporters believe a bed levy will help make the industry more sustainable in the long-run.

The tax will be on overnight stays in Wales - in hotels, holiday lets and caravans – and will also apply to Welsh people holidaying in the country. Legislation will be introduced into the Senedd by the end of 2024, with a decision expected in 2025. Roll-out is not expected before 2027 and it will be up to local authorities to decide whether to implement it in their areas. The nightly rate has yet to be set.

More than 60 destinations around the world levy tourist taxes already, and many more are in the pipeline. On April 25, a €5 (£4.26) charge to enter Venice was launched, raking in more than £1m in the first 11 days. It’s since been labelled a “total failure” in the Italian city’s battle against over-tourism, with visitor numbers appearing to be still rising.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/toxic-welsh-tourist-tax-survives-29225073?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

North Wales coach operator merges with rivals to form major UK travel group
Alpine Travel, including Jones Holidays, has joined forces with six other operators across the UK

Joe Lewis, MD of Alpine Travel, said: "Today marks a significant milestone not only for Alpine Travel but for the entire coach travel industry in the UK. We are now part of a national coach group built by coach companies. Customers can expect the same level of service, while we have plans to expand our range of holidays and tours.

full article https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/north-wales-coach-operator-merges-29340167?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

Hike in overseas tourists coming to Wales last year but not everything is rosy
The country saw visitor numbers spike by 30% but they remain lower than before the pandemic

Wales saw a spike in overseas tourists coming to the country last year. The nation had a 30% increase in international visitors when compared to 2022 according to the Office of National Statistics.

This was the best performance across the UK - with Scotland up 23%, London 26% and the rest of England 16%. In terms of numbers it meant that 892,000 people came - up from 687,000 in 2022..

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/hike-overseas-tourists-coming-wales-29346493

[SteveH]

Tourism funding cut slammed at time 'regressive' Wales visitor tax and 182 rule coming in
The Government said it continued to provide widespread support for the industry

Tourism chiefs in North Wales have hit out after financial support for promoting the industry was slashed. Members of North Wales Tourism were told at their Annual Trade Forum and Conference at Venue Cymru in Llandudno that £3.5 million had been axed from the Visit Wales coffers by the Welsh Government.

Delegates heard that in 2018 the budget supporting the tourism industry was £18.5 million with back office costs of around £5 million, supporting 100 employees. By this year the budget had been reduced to £15 million but it is estimated with inflation that office costs had risen.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/tourism-funding-cut-slammed-time-29362174

[SteveH]

From the Liverpool Echo......

Two 'hidden' gardens ranked as world's best that you may not have heard of
North Wales is home to two gardens that have been ranked among the top 15 botanical gardens in the world

In the study, undertaken by travel insurance company InsureandGo, the top 15 worldwide botanical havens were ranked after considering elements such as the number of plant species and the quantity of botanical hubs. The "botanical bliss" score also took into account Instagram posts about flora and plants as well as Google search requests for gardens from each country.

cont https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/two-hidden-gardens-ranked-worlds-29466852?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

A Welsh garden has been named second best in Europe. Travel and hospitality company Accor have revealed Europe's top 15 botanical gardens through analysis of Google reviews, sentiment evaluation, the number of amenities available, and popularity.

It has compiled a list showcasing the must-see gardens of 2024, and topping the charts is Ireland's National Botanic Gardens, nestled in the heart of Glasnevin just a stone's throw from Dublin's bustling centre. Boasting over 15,000 plant species amidst historic glasshouses, the gardens offer "a haven for visitors seeking respite amidst nature's splendour", all without an admission fee.

It is followed closely by Bodnant Gardens in the Conwy Valley in second place, a National Trust gem spanning 80 acres of meticulously curated landscapes. With its Grade I listed status and diverse range of gardens including Victorian terraces and enchanting woodlands, Bodnant Garden "captivates visitors with its timeless allure".

cont https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/gorgeous-welsh-garden-been-named-29523683?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

The three seaside towns named the best in Wales

Consumer magazine Which? surveyed 4,744 members of its online panel in January 2024 about their experiences of UK seaside towns and villages in the last year

cont https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/three-seaside-towns-named-best-29567291?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

The one thing holidaymakers say they love most about coming to Wales

There was one aspect where Wales stood out above other UK destinations

There are some aspects where the country performs well but others where travellers say other areas are doing a better job. The standout one where the nation truly excels is when it comes to the warm welcome.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/one-thing-holidaymakers-say-love-29618509?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

From Devon Live............

Charming UK town named most family-friendly holiday destination
The school summer holidays are in full swing and if you're planning a trip away this list will come in handy.

Are you considering a last-minute UK getaway? With the ongoing cost of living crisis, it's no surprise that many are choosing to holiday closer to home this year.

The UK is brimming with hidden treasures that, despite the unpredictable weather, can provide a fantastic family experience.

Outdoor specialists at GO Outdoors have unveiled their list of top family-friendly holiday destinations in the UK.

The team evaluated various factors such as the number of family-friendly holidays, restaurants and the average cost of a family hotel room to compile the results, reports the Express.

Each location was then given a score out of 10. Let's delve into the full ratings. Here are the top 10 family-friendly destinations in the UK: including llandudno.

cont https://www.devonlive.com/news/uk-world-news/uk-town-family-friendly-destinations-9442526?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

Protests in holidaying hotspots across Europe have been triggered by tensions over mass tourism, with locals claiming overwhelming numbers of visitors are harming their way of life.

But climate change means more visitors are expected to escape rising temperatures on the continent and instead head towards cooler climes for trips away.

Changing global temperatures are having an impact on Wales' tourism industry, for example, with a recent European Commission study, external showing a potential rise in global heat of 3-4C could see a 16% increase in visitors to west Wales.

But following protests by residents in places like Barcelona, Majorca and Venice in response to "over-tourism", could places like Wales be at risk of becoming overwhelmed too?

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8xlqqgjrddo

[SteveH]

The global publicity generated by Wrexham AFC’s Hollywood owners is attracting high-spending international visitors to North Wales, according to a tourism chief

Mr Jones was speaking ahead of the annual Go North Wales Tourism Awards at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on November 21 which will celebrate the tourism and hospitality industry's heroes.

The submission window for 18 categories is open until October 7.

Full article.........  https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24543933.wrexham-afcs-hollywood-boost-sparks-global-tourist-interest/?ref=rss&IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

From the Daily Express.................

The pretty UK town home to one of the country's best gardens even more beautiful in autumn
This beautiful Italian style garden can be found right here in the UK - with an incredible backdrop of mountains, this is a truly unique spot.

Bodnant Gardens, in Conwy, Wales is one of the best UK gardens you can head to at this time of year.

Named by The Times as one of the top 11 gardens to visit, you won’t be disappointed to see the beautiful greenery on display there.

The gardens are located near the Snowdonia Range, which is an incredible background for Bodnant Gardens.

cont https://www.express.co.uk/travel/articles/1951191/Bodnant-Gardens-Conwy-Wales-uk-best-garden?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

Wales must adapt and rain made 'cool' if tourism sector is to survive more soggy summers
As well as providing more shelter and drying facilities, Wales should become the 'rain attraction'

Welsh tourist operators fear soggy summers are becoming the norm and the country’s visitor economy must adapt or be washed away. One organisation has described the need to “weatherproof" Wales to prevent revenues declining further.

Ideas range from ticket booth shelters and covered tractor rides and to drying rooms and indoor attractions. The Welsh Association of Visitor Attractions (WAVA) said operators must accept that climate change is happening and should implement measures to mitigate its impact on holidaymakers.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wales-must-adapt-rain-made-30064088?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

Eryri rated Europe's third best winter destination by Lonely Planet and this is why
The national park is among 14 illustrious places listed as a winter must-visit

Eryri has been ranked Europe’s third best winter destination by one of the world’s top travel guides. Lonely Planet said the national park is rightly celebrated for its landscapes but it is sheer variety of adventure activities that makes Eryri so appealing over winter.

Tourism chiefs will be delighted as boosting the region’s out-of-season visitor economy has long been a cherished goal. Accolades from global travel guides help bring more overseas visitors to the country – a key market hit by the Covid pandemic that's now recovering.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/eryri-rated-europes-third-best-30120194?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589