A tourism roundtable in St Dogmaels on Friday (June 28) brought local holiday accommodation owners together with Preseli MP Stephen Crabb to discuss issues affecting the industry in North Pembrokeshire.
The roundtable included many B&B owners and holiday cottage operators from the north of the County along with representatives from Pembrokeshire Tourism. The meeting focused on some potential challenges facing the tourism industry.
A possible 14-day cancellation period allowing guests to pull out at the last minute leaving B&B and holiday cottage owners little time to re-book, the challenges of the lesser-regulated AirBnB and a possible ‘Tourism Tax’ imposed by the Welsh Labour Government were all discussed at St Dogmaels village hall.
Speaking following the meeting, Stephen Crabb MP said: “It was good to meet with B&B owners and holiday cottage operators as part of my ongoing campaign for a stronger tourism sector in Pembrokeshire.
“The issues discussed cause very real concerns for those who have invested in making Pembrokeshire an attractive and welcoming place to stay. The recurring theme was that local owners aren’t looking for special treatment, but rather a level playing field.
“It was also good to hear many positives coming from the tourism sector in North Pembrokeshire, with more and more people returning to enjoy this wonderful County. I found the round table incredibly useful and my thanks go to those who attended. I will continue to champion Pembrokeshire as a holiday destination in Parliament and raise the concerns with Minister.”
Pembrokeshire Tourism's Dennis O'Connor said: "We would welcome any possible change in policy or legislation which would strengthen and protect tourism in the UK and are pleased that Stephen Crabb MP has met with industry representatives in Pembrokeshire to gather insight into key areas of concern."