Tourism Industry Leader's Statements Of Anger And Disdain Towards Visit Wales Management

I have had, over the past few years, close contact with many tourism business owners and tourism industry leaders and I have gathered statements from them about their opinion of the management of Visit Wales. Of course, I would never release those statements with names but suffice to say, these statements have been delivered by some of the great and the good involved in tourism in Wales as well as by SMEs that have received nothing but sidelining and discrimination from the gatekeepers of the Welsh Governments tourism budget, Visit Wales.

Before reading the comments, however, I thought I’d remind you of the statement made by a senior Visit Wales employee on these matters… “The points Andy raises are almost always valid ones” and if that is the case, the points made by these leaders and business owners are almost always valid too. But Visit Wales management refuses to act in any way to remedy their appalling profile, profligate waste of public money and far from legal discriminatory practices.

Tourism Industry Leader - We have a ground swell of influential people and we demand change. We desperately need to link up with businesses in the south east. This mismanagement of the Visitor economy has got to stop.

A wellness and walking business - it must be incredibly frustrating for you. I looked into their requirements, knowing of your struggles and decided not to pursue a listing with them. Although it would be a great platform to use to get my small business out there. I don’t understand why they don’t make it easier, we are after all trying to bring people to Wales, which not only supports our small businesses but all those we work with, accommodation providers, guides/instructors, cafes, and restaurants we may use.

Tourism Industry Leader - we are looking at a whole new approach to how Welsh Government should be involved with the sector. The current arrangement clearly isn't working and we need a massive change in hope the sector engages with the government

Tourism Industry Leader - It's a mystery to me how Val (Mid Wales Tourism) received an MBE when there are many others in the sector who carry out much more work but don't take money from the Welsh Government in the form of project grants etc. Jim Jones North Wales Tourism looks after 7 counties, has 12 staff and 1200 businesses under his belt. Adrian Greason-Walker - research officer for WTA and PASC(UK) another prime candidate for recognition. They don't suck up to Visit Wales. There is a feeling that Val was nominated by the WG to piss off the sector and they succeeded.

Tourism Industry Leader - Good luck Andrew, I’m not best friends with VW at the moment. They don’t like being challenged.

Tourism Industry Leader - I'm really sorry to hear about the hassle you've had to endure while managing a business in Wales. It's definitely tough enough and even more so not getting the support you should from the body that’s responsible for the growth of tourism in Wales. Let's remain hopeful that all your hard work and efforts will bring about a positive change in attitude moving forward.

SME - Hi Andrew, sounds like you continue to face unreasonable challenges with VW. Hope you are keeping well despite this.

SME - With regards to  Visit Wales, they're a complete waste of time these days. Visit Wales are not fit for purpose and the last time I looked they were still promoting a company that went out of business over 12 years ago. I salute your perseverance in trying to create change in the Welsh Government, but I have better things to do with my time. It's unfortunate that one of the few employment sectors left in Wales is treated with such contempt by those in power.

Tourism Industry Leader - Many thanks for your message – I have read your post and am clearly concerned about what is going on. Let me liaise with the Visit Wales team and then get back to you.

SME - It's a complete shambles. As you know I've followed this story for a while now and supported you but now you've put into perspective the complete mess by listing companies who could or should be on there but aren't and vice versa. Yours is the only voice I hear but maybe you're stronger than the others. And I can understand their reticence if they're just surviving and still hoping for a listing.

In Conclusion

I have many more examples but these messages are a good ‘flavour’ of the content I have on record.

We have senior figures in tourism, and large business owners alongside SMEs, who are sidelined and discriminated against. These figures and business owners need to march on the Senedd and demand change, refusing to leave the steps until management appears, apologises and agrees to an open meeting that has an agenda of immediate change.

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