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 other National Trade Organisations 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.
Congratulations to all the winners at the recent National Tourism Awards for Wales at Venue Cymru, Llandudno which was held on Thursday 27th March.
Huge congratulations to our North Wales winners which included:
- Best Hotel – Gwesty Plas Dinas Country House Hotel
- Best Attraction – Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway
- Best Place to Eat – The Gunroom Restaurant at Plas Dinas Country House Hotel
Other winners included:
- Best B&B, Inn and Guesthouse – Glangwili Mansion
- Best Self Catering – Wonderful Escapes at Wern-y-Cwm Farm
- Best Caravan, Camping, Glamping – Meadow Springs Country & Leisure Park
- Best Activity, Experience or Tour – Rock UK Summit Centre
- Bro a Byd – Cambrian Cottages
- Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award – Stangwrach Holiday Cottages
- Rising Star – Charly Dix, Lan y Mor
- Best Event – The Royal Welsh Show
- Best Dog Friendly Business – Plas Llangoedmor
There was also a special Croeso Award which was presented In Memory of Ian Edwards in recognition of Services to tourism and hospitality
Further information about the evening is available on the https://www.walestourismawards.co.uk/
North Wales Tourism AGM and Trade Conference
You are invited to join us and hear from industry experts. The event will also provide you with an opportunity of networking with members from the industry and to gather information from trade stands.
Topics include:
- Go North Wales Update
- Spirit of North Wales
- Holiday Gifting
- The Value of Welshness Food & Drink – how sourcing welsh food can help your tourism business plus summary of support currently available for tourism and food and drink businesses
ALSO
- Network with like-minded people to find out what is really happening in the tourism and business community.
- Gather information from trade stands and suppliers to the industry
- Provide feedback—how can we help in the future? Here is your opportunity to let us know
We are also seeking to appoint 4 directors at our AGM to serve on the Board of North Wales Tourism. Below is a link to the nomination form which should be completed and returned to eirlys.jones@gonorthwales.org.uk at North Wales Tourism no later than noon on Friday 9th May 2025.
Representation at Shows
In March the Go North Wales Team promoted the destination at the British Tourism & Travel Show Birmingham as well as the online Webinario Event with American Travel Agents. Both events were well attended with plenty of interest in North Wales.
Cruise North Wales Update
Some good news from the North Wales Strategic Cruise Group! Our CEO, the chairman of the group, attended a productive meeting at the stunning Chateau Rhianfa recently, where Sue Thomas from Cruise Wales shared an exciting update.
Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Menai Straits, the outlook for 2025 was revealed—and it’s incredibly bright!
- Holyhead’s Big Year: In 2025, Holyhead is set to welcome 54 cruise ships, contributing to a total of 83 cruise calls across Wales.
- Visitor Boom: This will bring 77,000 passengers and 35,000 crew members to the region, making up 10% of Wales’ international visitors.
- Impressive Growth: These figures reflect a 9% increase, showcasing the thriving cruise market especially in North Wales.
The future of cruise tourism here is booming, and we’re thrilled to be riding this wave of success!
Energy Performance Certificate
The Government is proposing to raise the minimum energy efficiency standard for privately rented homes in England and Wales to the equivalent of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C by 2030. This policy aims to achieve significant savings on energy bills and reduce carbon emissions, contributing to the government’s statutory 2030 fuel poverty target and carbon budgets.
Your views are sought on the government’s proposals to enhance energy efficiency standards for privately rented homes in England and Wales by 2030.
For more information, please visit the Gov.uk website.
This consultation is also seeking views on whether to increase the scope of the private rented sector regulations to include short-term lets to ensure a consistent standard between privately rented homes and short-term lets.
Further information in relation to short-term lets can be found on page 34 of this document.
The consultation will close at 23:59pm on 2 May 2025.
Join NWTBiz WhatsApp Group
This group is for current North Wales Tourism members to share news that will help other members with updated news on all current industry issues, plus trade information, or just to make contacts.
To join the group please email croeso@nwt.co.uk with your mobile number and confirm your business name.
Please keep adverts, weekly menus and spam off these pages as they will be deleted.
Bar Work Training Course
The Go North Wales Hospitality Academy delivered a one-day bar work training course in Signatures award winning restaurant, Conwy in March 2025, aimed at unemployed individuals.
The course, led by Dave, Edwards, Senior barman at Signatures. The course also focussed on Licensing Laws: Participants gained a clear understanding of legal responsibilities. Food Hygiene: Practical sessions reinforced hygiene standards in bar settings. Till Operation and Cash Handling: Hands-on practice ensured confidence in transactions. Serving Drinks: Barista training which also included taking accurate drink measures and responsible customer service.
Conclusion – The one-day bar work training course was a success, effectively equipping unemployed participants with essential bar skills.
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.
For Supplier members only your entries appear on the Trade Directory which can be viewed at northwalestourism.directory. If you wish to update your entry please email membership@gonorthwales.org.uk with your amendments.
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.
Digital Opportunities
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.
Tourism Exchange Great Britain
TXGB is a digital marketplace that connects accommodation, attractions, experiences and tours with more customers. Join once to access multiple sales channels and a growing range of niche distributors and destination websites (including www.gonorthwales.co.uk ). Opt into specific campaigns for free alongside established global brands – TXGB will help expand your reach or become bookable online for the very first time.
​TXGB helps you reach new customers, drive sales and boost your profitability. Working in partnership with Visit Wales to bring together businesses and routes to Wales.
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.
Reach new international and domestic audiences on the VisitBritain Shop.
Booking systems already connected to the platform includes:
- 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 please go to https://northwalestourism.com/business-support/marketing/txgb/ or if you are interested and would like to hear more information please reply to membership@gonorthwales.org.uk.
Are you engaging with Visit Wales Opportunities?
Working with the B2B markets on Travel Trade and Business Events, provides a great opportunity to leverage an effective route to global markets and reach target audiences 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.
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 Visit Wales websites – MeetInWales.com, TravelTrade.VisitWales.com
To learn more about how you can get involved in Visit Wales Travel Trade and Business Events promotion please email visitwalesopps@northwalestourism.com
Carbon Zero Renewables – Offering Free energy saving reviews for members
UK Leisure Living – Extra Year warranty on hot tubs when a Holiday Pack is purchased. Hot tubs from £3,100 + VAT
Studio 78 productions – Discounts to members on Podcast show hosting, drone videos and corporate videos
First Lift Scaffolding – Discounts to members on scaffolding services
https://www.carbonzerorenewables.co.uk/ 0845 034 3540
