21/05/2008 05:25:00
Experts are planning to develop an action plan to address disappointing tourism figures for Wales in 2007.
According to the BBC, Wales received three-quarters of a million fewer visitors last year, dropping from 9.61m in 2006 to 8.85m in 2007. The unseasonable weather of last summer is being held responsible for the drop, along with the strength of the pound and the success of the previous two years.
Tourism Minister Rhodri Glyn Thomas indicated that anecdotal feedback from the industry supports the initial explanation of the figures. Operators have said that while the year had a strong start, they began to struggle as summer sunshine failed to appear.
Rachel Hicks, chief executive of Pembrokeshire Tourism, told the BBC:
"Booking patterns changed in 2007. According to our survey businesses in Pembrokeshire found that visitors were booking for three days and not a full week. Overall the north of Pembrokeshire, especially St Davids and Newport, were less affected. However, many businesses reported brisk business in September."
The director of Tourism Partnership North Wales told the BBC that funding for marketing campaigns was an important factor in attracting UK visitors to Wales, especially for people who live relatively nearby cities such as Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool. He added that continuing to focus on family and short breaks would be the best strategy for Wales.
Additionally, Mr Thomas suggested that, although the recent credit crunch was a concern, it may not have an adverse affect on Welsh tourism as people could choose to holiday in the UK rather than going further afield.
He plans to commission an analysis of the tourist industry and has asked for help from the Wales Tourism alliance in an effort to boost tourism figures.
