North Wales Tourism have and are still working hard on behalf it’s members on issues that are affecting the industry.
We are in constant contact with the local MSs and MPs on these issues and are also lobbying side by side and working closely with the Wales Tourism Alliance to drive forward the importance of the industry to the economy of Wales and the effects and implications of these issues on the businesses and industry as a whole. We are also working closely with the local press and media to raise the issues affecting us to make sure the voice of our valuable industry is heard.
Amongst the issues we have undertaken are:
- 182 Threshold for Self Catering
- Second Homes
- Visitor Levy
- Statutory Licensing
- Reform of School Year
If you have any questions/queries please do not hesitate to contact us, by email (contacts below), social media channels, online chat on the Trade website or phone. Please email jim.jones@gonorthwales.org.uk; eirlys.jones@gonorthwales.org.uk or deborah.nettleton@gonorthwales.org.uk with any issues etc you may have.
Please also make sure that you are kept up to date with all the information as they happen by visiting our Trade site www.northwalestourism.com and following us on our NWTBiz social media platforms (facebook and twitter), all of which are regularly updated.
North Wales Tourism Annual Trade Forum and Conference
A huge thank you to our fantastic expert speakers at this year’s trade forum and conference which was held at Venue Cymru Llandudno. We were honoured to be joined by:
- Glenn Evans, Chairman
- Marc Fletcher – Mostyn Estates
- George Reid – Southwest Wales Regional Tourism Forum
- Alistair Handyside – PASC
- Frankie Hobro – Anglesey Sea Zoo and Marine Research Centre
- Gwenno Angharad – Arts & Business Cymru
- Sian Humpherson – Snowdonia Hospitality & Leisure
- Cai Ross – Paysanne Restaurant
View the slides from the presentations here: https://northwalestourism.com/trade-updates/north-wales-annual-trade-forum-and-conference-2024/
The afternoon session consisted of two workshops, one discussing the power of Welshness Food and Drink hosted by North Wales Food and Drink Cluster in collaboration with Parisellas Ice Cream and the other workshop with Piws discussing unlocking the £15.5 billion Accessible Tourism Market.
At the meeting Adrian Barsby from Barsby Associates and Ruth Higgin from Ty Mawr Tearooms were re-elected to the Board of North Wales Tourism and the following members were newly elected:
- Justin Everley, Parisellas Ice Cream
- Nicola Swaford from Brymbo Heritage Trust and
- Angie Platt from Denbighshire Leisure.
Congratulations to all and we look forward to working with you. Full details of all our board members can be viewed on our trade website – https://northwalestourism.com/about-us/nwt-directors/
Exciting Partnership with holidaycottages.co.uk Announced!
We are pleased to announce the establishment of a 12-month strategic partnership with holidaycottages.co.uk. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for NWT and sets out a programme for a range of exciting initiatives and projects.
As part of this partnership, one of our first tasks is to launch a community competition that will engage and celebrate the work that is ongoing in our communities for the greater good of the destination.
In addition to the community competition, we are creating a number of bespoke-designed distribution boxes that will enhance the visibility of the partnership.
Our social media platforms will promote the new strategic partnership branding from holidaycottages.co.uk, and also their sponsorship of our tourism awards categories.
This partnership will include workshops and other collaborative efforts aimed at creating a positive impact and offering valuable experiences to our members.
Community Fund Initiative
Do you lead a project that makes North Wales a better place?
Go North Wales and holidaycottages.co.uk are offering an incredible chance to boost your project with one of three £1,000 donations! 
We believe in celebrating and supporting the hard work that goes into keeping our region vibrant and thriving.
If your initiative could benefit from a financial boost, we want to hear from you. Apply before the 18th August deadline! (extended)
Details & application: https://ow.ly/KfXu50SkGU1
2024 Go North Wales Tourism Awards / Gwobrau Twristiaeth Gogledd Cymru 2024
Nominations and tickets for the 2024 Go North Wales Tourism Awards, sponsored by Harlech FoodService have now opened and the website is now live – https://gonorthwalestourismawards.website/ .
The eighth Go North Wales Tourism Awards will be held on Thursday 21 November at Venue Cymru, Llandudno to celebrate and recognise excellence and outstanding achievement by our businesses and individuals working in the tourism hospitality sector of North Wales.
If you are involved in our region’s tourism industry then these awards are for you! Why not complete the online form and submit? There are 18 categories and nominations are now open! You can nominate your own tourism business, or the best tourism business which you think is a worthy winner.
For the first time in many years, award winners from some of the regional categories will also feed into the national Visit Wales Awards, to be held in Spring 2025, so please check the category information detail to learn more. These categories use an application form that is consistent across Wales.
Deadline for applications will be Monday 7th October 2024
For all details on the awards including how to join us on the Awards evening please visit https://gonorthwalestourismawards.website.
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Mae enwebiadau a thocynnau ar gyfer Gwobrau Twristiaeth Go North Wales 2024, a noddir gan Gwasanaeth Bwyd Harlech bellach wedi agor ac mae’r wefan bellach yn fyw – https://gonorthwalestourismawards.website.
Bydd wythfed Gwobrau Twristiaeth Go North Wales yn cael eu cynnal ddydd Iau 21 Tachwedd yn Venue Cymru, Llandudno i ddathlu a chydnabod rhagoriaeth a chyflawniad eithriadol gan ein busnesau ac unigolion sy’n gweithio yn sector lletygarwch twristiaeth Gogledd Cymru.
Os ydych chi’n ymwneud â diwydiant twristiaeth ein rhanbarth yna mae’r gwobrau hyn ar eich cyfer chi! Beth am lenwi’r ffurflen ar-lein a’i chyflwyno? Mae yna 18 categori ac mae enwebiadau nawr ar agor! Gallwch enwebu eich busnes twristiaeth eich hun, neu’r busnes twristiaeth gorau sydd, yn eich barn chi, yn enillydd teilwng.
Am y tro cyntaf ers blynyddoedd lawer, bydd enillwyr gwobrau o rai o’r categoriau rhanbarthol hefyd yn bwydo i mewn i Wobrau Cenedlaethol Croeso Cymru, sydd i’w cynnal yng ngwanwyn 2025, felly gwiriwch fanylion y categori i ddysgu mwy. Mae’r categoriau hyn yn defnyddio ffurflen gais sy’n gyson ledled Cymru.
Y dyddiad cau ar gyfer ceisiadau fydd dydd Llun 7 Hydref 2024
I gael yr holl fanylion am y gwobrau gan gynnwys sut i ymuno â ni ar y noson Wobrwyo ewch i https://gonorthwalestourismawards.website.
Website listing – Updating your Details
Your individual listing on our website is your main opportunity to present your business to the public. However, like any advertising it must be regularly maintained to ensure that it is correct, current and really works for you.
- When did you last check it?
- When did you last update it?
- Are your pictures great?
- Is your listing better than that of competitors?
Please login and update your entry on https://extranet-wales.newmindets.net/ If you have forgotten your password please click on the “forgotten your password” link and enter your registered email address (to reset). If you can’t remember your registered email address, please call 01492 531731 and ask for a member of the digital team alternatively email digital@gonorthwales.org.uk or visit https://northwalestourism.com/go-north-wales/update-your-go-north-wales-listing/ for assistance with updating your details
Late Availability
Let us help you promote any late availability or midweek deals.
All you have to do is complete the short form here: https://northwalestourism.com/late-availability-form/
Visitors will be able to search through all late availability dates by location and property type from the Go North Wales website. This will also be promoted across our social channels.
Promote your Events
Are you hosting an event in North Wales? Would you like to have exposure on our events section for free? Simply fill out the form on the link below and your event could appear on our webpage.
Facebook/Twitter – Do you Follow Us
Don’t forget, if you are on social media you can follow us on both Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @nwtbiz @gonorthwales – so if you have content that you would like us to share, let us know and we’ll promote it to our audience! If possible please link to our destination platforms in your posts so that we can see you and share. Social Media and digital marketing are very important parts of the modern marketing mix and a great way to get your business promoted. Remember, we can’t share your social media stories if we don’t know about them.
NWTBiz Facebook Forum
We have a closed Facebook group specifically for members where you can discuss issues, ask for help as well as support each other in our collected aim to make our region one of the top UK tourist destinations. You will need to request to join this by searching NWTBiz and we will accept you as a member.
Special Offers
All members can create special offers at no cost. They show on the special offers page on the gonorthwales website and it is another sales opportunity that is free to use.
If you would like to submit your offer to include on our website you can do so by login in into your extranet account (instructions on how to do so here) or emailing digital@gonorthwales.org.uk Also please remember if you have any availability or late cancellations you would like us to promote please send details to digital@gonorthwales.org.uk.
Banner Adverts
Would like further promotion of your business?
Why not contact us to find out what other opportunities are available to enhance your promotion on our website. Opportunities include banner advertising, newsletter, blog, social media collaboration. Bespoke packages can also be developed to fit with your marketing budget.
For further information on the opportunities available please contact digital@gonorthwales.org.uk.
Go North Wales Promotion – Competition
Go North Wales is continuously promoting competitions on its website and social platforms.
The competition is promoted widely via our competition QR code which can be found on distributed flyers and on the old M&S Window Shop in Llandudno which allows passers-by to scan the QR code on the window which will then direct them to our website to enter their details for the competition.
We are continually looking for a variety of prizes to offer throughout the year and if you would like to contribute to this please let us know.
In return, we can offer advertising on our website, including a large banner on the competition page and two side banners on our homepage. We will also link to your website and share the email data collected to add to your own mailing list. We will also promote it across our social channels.
Please email digital@gonorthwales.org.uk if this is of interest.
Let’s Keep In Touch
Our main means of communication with you, our members, is by email. We send out regular email messages to all members or to specific sections of the membership. We try to restrict the number of emails to key topics but also send out regular newsletters covering minor topics. Old copies of newsletters are available online.
In addition to emails, we post short-term news on our closed Facebook Group.
Members’ website – www.northwalestourism.com
The members website is another important source of information. Do look at it regularly for information on training courses, offers and discounts, forthcoming meetings and reports on past meetings. You will also find information about membership, managing your web page, details of the Board, latest research documents and strategies and much more.
People and Skills Key Fund Supporting New Employees for the Tourism and Hospitality Sector
In June, North Wales Tourism secured SPF funding from Denbighshire’s People and Skills Key Fund from Cadwyn Clwyd. This Key Fund underpins Denbighshire County Council’s mission to support the provision of quality employability support, to residents above the aged of 16 to fulfil their potential, both personally and professionally.
This funding has provided Denbighshire residents with the opportunity to take up support from North Wales Tourism & Hospitality Academy and take advantage of the newly developed Denbighshire program of comprehensive training courses, that started rolling out in July.
The program is made up of multiple 4-day course that has been carefully crafted alongside Working Denbighshire, to equip participants with the essential knowledge and skills needed to excel in the Tourism & Hospitality industry. Each course consists of theoretical instruction, classroom activities and hands-on practical exercises, providing participants with well-rounded education in tourism and local cultural awareness.
As part of the course, participants will visit a variety of tourism and hospitality establishments in Denbighshire. These visits will provide participants with invaluable opportunity to witness industry professionals in action, immersing themselves in the actual work environment, to observe best practices and build relationships with local tourism businesses looking to hire staff.
Upon successful completion of the course, attendees receive a certificate recognising their commitment to professional growth in the tourism and hospitality sector and are encouraged to enrol as a bronze member on Denbighshire’s Tourism Ambassador Scheme. Furthermore, participants have the chance to be included on North Wales Tourism’s database to signpost them to work opportunities in the sector and Working Denbighshire will offer participants an opportunity to access twelve week paid placements through their Work Start Scheme, once they have successfully secured a role.
The Work Start Scheme benefits both employers and participants. It provides employers with funding for placements up to twelve weeks and it provides participants with free employment support throughout their placement. This includes one to one support, wellbeing and in work support.
Contact North Wales Tourism: Jim Jones 07525 934742 / Jim.jones@gonorthwales.org.uk
Contact Working Denbighshire: Contact us: Working Denbighshire | Denbighshire County Council
Training Pathway for the Unemployed in Denbighshire
Jim Jones , CEO of North Wales Tourism is proud to announce its partnership with Cadwyn Clwyd, providing essential training courses for the unemployed in Denbighshire. For over 5 years, North Wales Tourism through it’s academy has been dedicated to equipping attendees with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the Tourism & Hospitality industry.
The 3-4-day courses offered by North Wales Tourism are meticulously designed to incorporate theoretical instruction, interactive classroom activities, and practical exercises to ensure participants are well-prepared for employment opportunities. A key feature of the program includes site visits to prominent tourism and hospitality establishments in Denbighshire, our recent course took place in the Rhyl Tourism Information Centre, Rhyl Library, Museum, and the North Wales Bowls Centre.
These hands-on experiences provide invaluable insights into industry best practices, allowing participants to observe and discuss opportunities and immerse themselves in real work environments.
Upon successful completion of the course, participants are awarded a certificate recognising their dedication to professional development in the tourism sector and are added to the Go North Wales academy database, enhancing their prospects for securing rewarding job opportunities.
North Wales Tourism remains committed to fostering a skilled workforce and is grateful for the ongoing support of Cadwyn Clwyd in empowering individuals in Denbighshire to thrive in the Tourism & Hospitality industry.
If you’d like to learn more about the course please contact croeso@nwt.co.uk
TXGB is a digital marketplace that connects accommodation, attractions, experiences and tours with more customers.
TXGB helps you reach new customers, drive sales and boost your profitability!
It is a free-to-join platform that uses your current booking system to connect you to a wider range of distributors such as Visit Wales and other destination websites. There is no set up costs. You simply pay a 2.5% booking fee to TXGB only on bookings generated – plus commission of the chosen distributor.
Join once to access multiple sales channels, including Go North Wales.
Booking systems already connected to the platform includes:
- Bookalet
- Fareharbor
- Gemapark
- Little Hotelier
- SiteMinder
- Bookeo
- TrekkSoft
- Real time two way data sharing – Show live availability and prices with your chosen sales channels and receive bookings directly into your system with full customer data.
- ​Direct payment channels – Get paid directly, at point-of-sale, protecting cash flow and customer data, while ensuring bookings are made on your terms.
- Free & easy to join – Connect to TXGB via your current booking system, or use the inbuilt sales tool, TXLoad, for free.
- Optimise commission costs – Access a wide range of unique, low-commission channels alongside established well-known brands.
- Completely flexible – Pick the best distribution partnerships for you via the simple ‘opt in / out’ marketplace on your user-friendly dashboard.
- ​No booking, no fee – No setup or monthly subscription fees. Just a 2.5 percent TXGB booking fee, plus the commission of your chosen sales channels. Go North Wales is commission free for North Wales Tourism members. ​
For further information on TXGB and to get connected https://northwalestourism.com/business-support/marketing/txgb/
Booking Integration
If you are with any of the booking companies below and would like to make your entry on www.gonorthwales.co.uk bookable then please let us have you ID reference and we will complete this for you. Contact digital@gonorthwales.org.uk
Are you engaging with Visit Wales Opportunities?
Wales Tourism Product Database (WTPD) – Are you listed on the WTPD database that feeds the Visit Wales website? If you are not, are graded and would like to appear on the website please contact visitwalesopps@northwalestourism.com
Do you have a product ready to sell to the Travel Trade and Business Events market? If so, you could also be included on these separate websites. MeetInWales.com, TravelTrade.VisitWales.com
Working with the B2B markets on Travel Trade and Business Events, provides a great opportunity to attract a wider global reach from new and existing markets to your tourism business. ​
​By establishing effective relationships with key tour operators, travel agents, business event buyers, business event planners and agencies, and engaging a mix of distribution partners, you can find an effective route to market and reach your target audiences.
To learn more about how you can get involved in Visit Wales Travel Trade and Business Events promotion please email visitwalesopps@northwalestourism.com
Tourism and hospitality community – Have your say on how your neighbourhood is policed!
North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin was re-elected in May 2024. A very important part of his role is to create a plan for police to work to in order to fight crime across the region.
To be able to write this plan, he wants to ensure he is listening to the North Wales tourism and hospitality community about how they want to see North Wales policed and that he is addressing the concerns they have.
He is consulting with the people of North Wales in a survey to get their thoughts and responses.
The feedback will be incorporated into the plan and will help shape future services and the allocation of resources by police.
It is important that all sections of the population have the opportunity for their views to be represented and reflected in North Wales Police’s priorities. So have your say! Head here to fill in the 5-minute survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/PCC-consultation2024
VOA Introduces New Self-Catering Questionnaire
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has released a new, streamlined questionnaire designed to simplify the process for property owners to inform the VOA that their self-catering property qualifies to be assessed for business rates.
There are distinct forms for properties located in England and Wales.
Usage Criteria:
- For properties currently assessed for Council Tax but now eligible for business rates.
- For new self-catering properties that have met the criteria within the past 12 months.
You should use this new, shorter form if:
- your self-catering property is currently valued as domestic and liable for Council Tax, but now meets the criteria to be valued for business rates
- you have a new self-catering property that has met the criteria for the first time in the past 12 months.
You should only complete a longer VO6048 form when requested to do so by the VOA.
‘Croeso’ i bawb! A warm Welsh ‘Welcome!’
‘Croeso!’ will be the theme of the year for 2025, Visit Wales has revealed.
The friendly welcome visitors get in Wales is a key reason for many choosing to return time and again, a testament to Wales’ culture and its people, and the primary influence for Visit Wales choosing the ‘Croeso’ theme for 2025.
https://www.gov.wales/croeso-i-bawb-warm-welsh-welcome
Wales Visitor Economy Profile: 2024
Summary of employment, earnings, enterprises, expenditure and output data relating to the tourism and hospitality industries in Wales for 2024.
