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:

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.

Survey Headline Report : Hospitality Sector

Thank you to those of you who completed our recent midway through the season survey.  

Your feedback is important to us to ensure we capture an accurate and comprehensive picture of the industry as well as understanding the current landscape and advocate for your needs.

Responses from the survey have been collated and the summary is below.

2025 Season Booking Performance

Overview: The 2025 tourism season in North Wales hospitality sector shows a mixed booking performance. The peak season (May–September) is on par with pre-COVID 2019 levels and slightly up from 2024 for some businesses, but a weak Q1 and shifting booking patterns present challenges.

Key Booking Insights:

  • Visitor Numbers: Mixed results, with some businesses reporting a 14% increase, while others see a 4.14% drop in visitors and 3.91% fewer rooms sold compared to 2024. Q1 was particularly slow, with demand softening from mid-term (late May) due to mixed weather.
  • Booking Trends: Strong trend toward last-minute bookings (1–7 days) and shorter stays (1–3 nights, occasionally 4–5 in peak season). Weekday bookings are steady, but Sundays and shoulder seasons (autumn/winter) are weak. Advance bookings are scarce, with some noting a 15–30-day planning window for events/weekends.
  • Demographic Shifts: Couples (especially 55–85 for adult-only properties) dominate, with UK visitors as the primary market. Germany remains the second-largest international market, but US bookings have plummeted (from 60% to ~ 5% for some), with slight recovery recently. Increased bookings from Netherlands, China, and Japan noted.
  • Revenue Impact: Revenue is flat or down 1.98% year-on-year for some, with discounts (e.g. via Travelzoo) used to maintain occupancy but creating unrealistic guest expectations. Rising costs (VAT, NI, staffing, linen) severely erode profit margins, with some reporting critically low cash flow (e.g. bank balance at 57p).

Challenges:

  • Weak Q1 and shoulder seasons require targeted demand strategies.
  • Shorter booking windows and reliance on last-minute reservations complicate planning.
  • High operational costs and guest cancellations (often weather-related) strain finances.
  • Decline in US visitors and perceived anti-tourist policies (e.g. 20mph fines) deter bookings.

Successes:

  • Late availability offers and packaging drive occupancy.
  • Positive guest feedback (e.g. TripAdvisor #1 rankings) and local events (e.g., Llandudno’s festivals) boost appeal.
  • Niche offerings (e.g. eco-friendly amenities, new chefs) attract guests

Recommendations:

  • Marketing: Focus on collaborative campaigns (e.g. with Visit Wales) to promote short getaways and target international markets (US, Netherlands, China) via unified social media strategies.
  • Policy Advocacy: Engage with local authorities to address VAT, NI, and business rate pressures, and improve infrastructure (e.g. historic assets, public transport).
  • Off-Peak Strategies: Develop “stay and dine” deals and reinstate events like Christmas markets to boost shoulder seasons.

Conclusion: While peak season bookings are resilient, driven by short stays and last-minute demand, the sector faces challenges from a weak Q1, cost pressures and changing guest behaviours. Strategic marketing and policy support are critical to sustaining growth and profitability.

2025 Go North Wales Tourism Awards

Nominations and tickets for the 2025 Go North Wales Tourism Awards, sponsored by Harlech FoodService have now opened and the website is now live – https://gonorthwalestourismawards.website/ .

The ninth Go North Wales Tourism Awards will be held on Thursday 20 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.

Deadline for applications will be midnight Sunday 5th October 2025 

For all details on the awards including how to join us on the Awards evening please visit https://gonorthwalestourismawards.website.

Some sponsorship opportunities are still currently available – please contact a member of our team for further information at digital@gonorthwales.org.uk. 

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Mae enwebiadau a thocynnau ar gyfer Gwobrau Twristiaeth Go North Wales 2025, a noddir gan Gwasanaeth Bwyd Harlech bellach wedi agor ac mae’r wefan bellach yn fyw – https://gonorthwalestourismawards.website.

Bydd nawfed Gwobrau Twristiaeth Go North Wales yn cael eu cynnal ddydd Iau 20 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.

Y dyddiad cau ar gyfer ceisiadau fydd hanner nos ar Nos Sul 5ed Hydref 2025

I gael yr holl fanylion am y gwobrau gan gynnwys sut i ymuno â ni ar y noson Wobrwyo ewch i https://gonorthwalestourismawards.website.

Mae rhai cyfleon nawdd yn dal ar gael – cysylltwch ac aelod o’n tim am ragor o wybodaeth ar digital@gonorthwales.org.uk

Collaboration between COPA Training and North Wales Tourism

Through a collaboration with COPA Training and North Wales Tourism we have delivered three dedicated tourism & hospitality training courses in Wrexham, Rhyl, and Llandudno, supporting individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce and work in our sector. 

The partnership delivered an inspiring training programme designed to equip participants with essential skills for the tourism and hospitality sectors. 

Over a number of days in each area , this programme brought hands-on learning focusing on practical areas such as customer service and real-world hospitality skills.

The goal? To open doors to new career opportunities and to empower and grow self esteem. 

Thank you to the team at COPA and to the businesses that shared their vacancies and our wonderful hosts who helped with the engagement. 

•  Sam Reagan and The Lemon Tree in Wrexham,

•  Nathan Cousins and the St George’s Hotel in Llandudno. 

•  Tony Vitti, Manager at Rhyl TIC. 

North Wales Tourism & PIWS: A Powerful Partnership for Inclusive Tourism

We’re proud to announce a new collaboration between North Wales Tourism and PIWS – a leading accessibility initiative supporting tourism, hospitality and events businesses to become more inclusive.

Together, we’re working to make North Wales a truly welcoming destination, where disabled visitors, their families and friends feel seen, valued and supported. With the Purple Pound worth over £274 billion to the UK economy, this partnership isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s a smart business decision.

By joining forces, we’re helping you tap into new markets, improve visitor experience and boost your return on inclusion.

More than 1 in 5 people in the UK are disabled — and when you include families, friends and carers, this is a significant and growing audience. Many businesses miss out simply because they’re unaware of the small, practical changes that make a big difference.

Can you afford to be left behind?

Join the PIWS Partnership today, and start receiving the expert support you need to become more accessible in ways that are achievable, affordable and aligned with your visitors’ real needs.

As a member, you’ll get:

  • Inclusive training and awareness workshops
  • A practical toolkit to support real change
  • Guidance from accessibility ambassadors
  • PR and Marketing support, including inspiring case studies
  • A listing in our growing directory of inclusive venues

To celebrate the partnership, North Wales Tourism members can now join PIWS at a special discounted rate — making it easier than ever to take the first step.

Click here to access the booking form.

Let’s work together to shape a more inclusive tourism destination — where Croeso really means everyone is welcome.

E: Tansy@piws.co.uk W: www.Piws.co.uk

Consultation on proposals for non-domestic rates differential multipliers – Reminder

Welsh Government are seeking your views on proposals to introduce differential multipliers for non-domestic rates (business rates).  The proposed changes could significantly increase costs for hospitality businesses from April 2026.  Without urgent changes to the current proposals, hospitality businesses could face thousands of pounds in extra costs, putting jobs, investment, and the future of our high streets and tourism at risk.

Our main asks:

  • Extend any lower multiplier or discount for properties under £51,000 RV to include all hospitality sector properties.
  • Exclude hospitality from the proposed surcharge for properties above £100,000 RV.
  • Introduce a fair middle band for properties between £51,000 and £100,000 RV.

Submit your comments by 12 August 2025

Further information available at:

https://www.gov.wales/consultation-proposals-non-domestic-rates-differential-multipliers-html

Consultation on proposed revisions to the ‘Separate Collection of Waste Materials for Recycling: A Code of Practice for Wales’

Welsh Government (WG) have launched a consultation relating to the Workplace Recycling Regulations that came into force in April 2024 to improve the quality and quantity of recycling from workplaces.

WG are seeking views on proposed revisions to the Separate Collection of Waste Materials for Recycling – A Code of Practice for Wales which provides guidance on how to comply with the workplace recycling separation requirements.

The revisions to the code reflect planned amendments to the Waste Separation Requirements (Wales) Regulations 2023 to implement a commitment to bring in a requirement for workplaces to present small waste electrical and electronic equipment (sWEEE) separately for collection and onward recycling from 6 April 2026. Currently workplaces are only required to separate unsold sWEEE. 

The consultation is open for a period of 12 weeks, closing on Wednesday 22 October 2025. Once responses have been considered, a summary of responses will be published on the WG website.

The responses to this consultation will inform the final drafting of revisions to the code and the planned amendments to the Waste Separation Requirements (Wales) Regulations 2023.

Any queries should be sent to theY mgyngoriadau Diwygiadau Ailgylchu / Recycling Reforms Consultations mailbox: RecyclingReformsConsultations@gov.wales

Cyber security guidance for business

The UK government have updated their guidance to help businesses and organisations improve online security and protect against cyber threats.

The contents include:

  • All organisations should take basic steps to protect themselves online
  • Get the basics right
  • Get a Cyber Essentials certificate
  • Get free online training for you and your staff
  • Report cyber crime and online fraud
  • Ask for help
  • Advice for larger businesses
  • Get specialised cyber security guidance

Further information available at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/cyber-security-guidance-for-business and https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/

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.

Website listing on Go North Wales

To help us represent you to the best of our ability — whether across social media, newsletters, or other promotional channels — it’s vital that your member listing is accurate and up-to-date.

✅ Why it Matters:

Your listing is our go-to source for information, imagery, and details about your business. When your content is up-to-date, it ensures we share the right images, the correct details, and everything that makes your offering truly shine.

🛠️ What You Can Do:

Keeping your listing fresh is simple! Take a moment to check that:

📸 Your images reflect your business as it stands today.

📝 Your contact details and descriptions are accurate.

🎉 New updates or additions to your services are included.

💡 Your listing is your voice! By keeping it current, you’re helping us champion you in the best possible way. Let’s work together to make sure your message reaches visitors who love discovering the gems of North Wales.

Need help updating your listing? We’re here for you! Just reach out to us anytime, and we’ll happily guide you through the process.

📩 Update your listing today and ensure your business gets the spotlight it deserves

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.

https://www.gonorthwales.co.uk/whats-on/submit-event

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.

Tell us what you know, or don’t know, about TXGB (Tourism Exchange Great Britain)

Tell us what you know, or don’t know, about TXGB (Tourism Exchange Great Britain)

TXGB is a channel management system that’s free for any tourism business to use. Built in partnership with VisitBritain and VisitEngland, TXGB has also been licensed for use in Wales and Northern Ireland.

Tell us what you know, or don’t know, about online bookings and TXGB, to help us streamline communications to support tourism businesses in Wales more efficiently – Thank you.

English: https://form.jotform.com/250273233889362

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Dywedwch wrthym beth rydych chi’n ei wybod, neu ddim yn ei wybod am TXGB (Cyfnewidfa Twristiaeth Prydain Fawr) 

Mae TXGB yn system rheoli sianel sydd am ddim i unrhyw fusnes twristiaeth ei defnyddio. Wedi’i adeiladu mewn partneriaeth â VisitBritain a VisitEngland, mae TXGB hefyd wedi’i drwyddedu i’w ddefnyddio yng Nghymru a Gogledd Iwerddon.

Dywedwch wrthym beth rydych chi’n ei wybod, neu ddim yn ei wybod, am archebion ar-lein a TXGB, i’n helpu i symleiddio cyfathrebiadau i gefnogi busnesau twristiaeth yng Nghymru yn fwy effeithlon – Diolch.

Welsh: https://form.jotform.com/250301970089354

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 grants available for Members

UK Leisure Living

Extra 1 years warranty on hot tubs for members

High Quality Hot tubs from £3,100.00 + VAT

Saunas from £900.00 + VAT

Studio 78 productions – Discounts to members on Property Videos, Podcast hosting, drone videos and corporate videos

First Lift Scaffolding NW – Discounts to members on scaffolding services across North Wales

United Kingdom Energy – Discounts and free energy reviews on Energy Contracts from a company you trust.

https://www.carbonzerorenewables.co.uk/   0845 034 3540 

SUPair Cymru Ltd is pioneering the use of compressed air technology in the leisure industry with a newly developed, pay-at-pump inflation station for inflatable stand-up paddleboards (iSUPs).

Designed for both recreational and professional use, our weatherproof, fully digital units are easy to install at any waterside location. Each station can inflate a standard 10’6” paddleboard to 15 PSI in around five minutes, ensuring optimal performance and safety. Currently operating across 9 waterside venues, SUPair Cymru supports the growing paddleboarding community by providing convenient, accurate, and efficient inflation solutions. Our stations are available in free vend (complimentary use) or Nayax contactless payment (income-generating) models. This gives venue owners the opportunity to enhance customer experience while generating passive revenue from each transaction. Whether you’re looking to support outdoor recreation or create a new revenue stream, SUPair Cymru offers a practical and innovative solution. 

Our aim is to expand this unique provision to all suitable paddleboard waterside access points across the region and beyond!

Learn more at www.supaircymru.com.

Zest Outdoor Living joins North Wales Tourism Association

Zest Outdoor Living, an award-winning supplier of sustainable timber garden furniture and outdoor products, is delighted to become a member of the North Wales Tourism Association.

With a strong reputation for quality and innovation, Zest supplies beautifully designed picnic tables, benches, arbours, and other outdoor seating – perfect for hospitality, leisure, and tourism settings. Comfortable, sturdy, and built to last, Zest’s products enhance outdoor spaces for guests and visitors to enjoy.

As proud new members, Zest is pleased to offer commercial organisations and leisure businesses access to our extensive product range at competitive trade prices, with a friendly and reliable service to match.

Zest Outdoor Living – The natural choice. 

To see exclusive NWT member offers, please visit Zest Leisure & Tourism 2025 Promotion or www.zestoutdoorliving.co.uk to see the full range.

To make an enquiry or place an order, please email: alwyn@zestoutdoorliving.co.uk

We look forward to connecting with fellow members and supporting the region’s outstanding tourism and hospitality offering.

About Eirlys Jones

Eirlys is the Commercial Director at North Wales Tourism and can be contacted at eirlys.jones@gonorthwales.org.uk or connect with her on LinkedIn you can also follow her on Twitter @EirlysJones5