As we are now at the beginning of a new year your continuous support will once again play a pivotal role in our efforts to showcase the beauty of North Wales, not just in the UK but also internationally.
North Wales Tourism provides marketing and promotional opportunities through the “Go North Wales” brand, access to visitor and member networks, and business support and networking events.
Our collaboration with local MSs, MPs, and Visit Wales enables us to tackle key issues, advocate for necessary changes, and underscore the significance of tourism to the Welsh economy.
Furthermore, we are dedicated to amplifying your voice through our interactions with the local press and media, ensuring that your concerns and contributions are acknowledged and appreciated.
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 X), all of which are regularly updated.
MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) Sector Review Survey
Meet North Wales are currently reviewing the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) market and needs of this sector in North Wales in order to evaluate how best to support this sector going forward. Collective responses from the survey will be shared with partners in order to hopefully formulate the best solution and support to be able to provide your business in accommodating MICE enquiries and lead generation in the future.
We would be grateful if you could take a few minutes (no more than 10 minutes) to respond to these very specific questions in relation to Business Events.
https://form.jotform.com/260103527462045
Visitor Economy Promotional Marketing Opportunities
Opportunities to drive the profile of your business
Go North Wales are North Wales’s most popular and visited destination whether for day trips, overnight stays, to attend conferences or events. Together with the surrounding coast and countryside we have one of the most diverse and exciting visitor offers and Go North Wales provides exclusive routes to market to reach visitors both during the planning process and while in destination.
We have opportunities to reach consumers directly, as well as our comprehensive industry work and business support. All of our consumer marketing operates through the Go North Wales brand. This includes the GoNorthWales.co.uk website as well as branded newsletters and social media channels, with a focus on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
The website offers a blend of inspirational editorial content, business listings and themed pages for specific markets. All are enhanced by a comprehensive search, regular blogs, integrated social media feeds, an itinerary planner, suggested itineraries, banner advertising opportunities, video and images, as well as an online booking portal.
To enhance your presence and assist with promoting through these channels to a dedicated audience, we have prepared a comprehensive portfolio of opportunities.
To promote your product to an active, engaged and loyal online audience and to learn more about the digital opportunities available please contact digital@gonorthwales.org.uk.
Advertising Opportunities 2026
Bedroom Browser
The publication is a spiral bound, A4 landscape brochure encompassing attraction/activity/experiences/tours and food and drink leaflets/adverts. The brochure is distributed to all accommodation members of North Wales Tourism; Reference copies to all Wales and Border TICs; North Wales & North West Libraries; Tour operators for itinerary purposes; visiting journalists; exhibitions etc.
Opportunity includes a leaflet insert within the brochure or artwork space on either inside front and back covers. Limited number of half and quarter page advert spaces also available.
For further information please contact Eirlys Jones on 01492 539058 or e-mail eirlys.jones@gonorthwales.org.uk
Great Days Out in North Wales Campaign
The campaign includes a pocket style leaflet featuring:
- attractions
- activities
- food and drink
- discount vouchers and a
- north wales map
plus a
- dedicated website with downloadable leaflet
- special offer vouchers
- QR Code
- promotion on our social media channels and consumer enews database.
- We will also be attending exhibitions and consumer shows to promote what North Wales has to offer.
As an added bonus you will get an opportunity to feature your business with a banner advert on the main visitor website www.gonorthwales.co.uk for a 3 month period.
For further information please contact Carol Beard on 01492 531731 or carol.beard@gonorthwales.org.uk
Spirit of North Wales – Promotional Opportunity
Spirit of North Wales is a vibrant, visually stunning print publication designed to inspire travel to one of the UK’s most culturally rich and naturally spectacular regions. This new annual magazine is aimed squarely at U.S. travellers and the people who guide them reaching audiences already actively engaged with Welsh culture, travel and retail. Its colourful, engaging content offers a curated gateway into Wales’s landscapes, attractions, heritage and hidden gems, making it a natural partner for brands wishing to connect with a highly motivated travel audience.
Spirit of North Wales will be distributed annually via the following strategic channels:
- Major U.S. and European trade shows (e.g. IPW, World Travel Market, ITB Berlin).
- Tour operators and travel agents specializing in UK and European travel.
- British tourism offices, consulates, and cultural centres across the USA.
- Drop-in centres and high-footfall destinations in cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago.
- Cruise ships arriving into Holyhead and Liverpool.
- On-location at attractions across the region.
- Expected readership of 160,000 initially (40,000 hard copies where each copy published has 4 readers. This figures are from NUJ & statistically factual a metric all magazines and newspaper uses). With online link this figure will significantly increase.
With its high-quality print finish, extended shelf life, and carefully targeted distribution, Spirit of North Wales offers unmatched value for tourism destinations, attractions, hotels, transport services, tour operators, and experiential brands looking to reach a highly qualified travel audience. Advertising rate for a full page advert is just £650. Available ad formats include:
- Multi-channel add-ons (social and digital mentions).
- Full-page and double-page spreads.
- Sponsored itineraries and advertorials.
- Premium positioning (inside front cover, back cover).
Our goal? To place North Wales on the must-see list for American travellers seeking something new, authentic, and accessible.
Interested to learn more?
Please contact John Hogan tel: (+353) 083 318 2222 or email: john@devlinmedia.org
Help shape the future of cycling tourism in Wales
The Welsh Government (Visit Wales) is conducting a Cycling Tourism Mapping exercise to map existing and planned cycling routes, infrastructure, services and experiences.
The findings will directly inform future marketing activity and investment priorities; the development of flagship cycling destination hubs, trails and experiences for all types of cyclists.
Share and take part in the survey, let Welsh Government (Visit Wales) know about your plans, projects, priorities and investment related to cycling and tourism in your area, and plot any hidden gems on the interactive map.
Closing date 6th February
https://engage.owendaviesconsulting.co.uk/index.php?contentid=6
Economic Value of Tourism
This report reveals the tourism sector’s contribution to the UK economy and employment, its impact across the nations and regions, and its potential for growth.
Report highlights:
Tourism’s GDP impact in the UK totalled £147 billion, or 5% of the national economy, in 2024. Tourism contributes at least 4% to GDP across all regions and nations in the UK.
Tourism demonstrates its importance as a major employer, supporting nearly one in every 15 jobs across the UK, about 2.4 million jobs. The industry’s value extends beyond major cities accounting for at least 5% of jobs in every region and nation of Britain.
Tourism generated £52 billion in tax revenues for the UK Government in 2024.
The value of total tourism activity in the UK is expected to reach £161 billion by 2030 in 2024 prices, growth of 9.3% when adjusted for inflation and ahead of the UK economy overall at 8.8%. Inbound tourism is forecast to drive much of this, with growth in value of 32%, £9.4 billion, between 2024 and 2030. The industry is predicted to create an additional 175,000 jobs in the UK by 2030.
VisitBritain Economic Impact Study 200126
VisitBritain Economic Impact Results 200126
https://www.visitbritain.org/research-insights/economic-value-tourism
UK’s National Living Wage
From April 1, 2026, the UK’s National Living Wage (for 21+) increases to £12.71/hour, while rates for younger workers and apprentices also rise: 18-20 year olds get £10.85/hour, and 16-17 year olds and apprentices get £8.00/hour, as the government implements its annual minimum wage adjustments for low-paid workers.
New Rates (Effective April 1, 2026)
- National Living Wage (Age 21 & over): £12.71 per hour (up from £12.21).
- Ages 18-20: £10.85 per hour (up from £10.00).
- Ages 16-17 & Apprentices: £8.00 per hour (up from £7.55).
- Accommodation Offset: £11.10 per day (for those who live with their employer).
Get ready to register your visitor accommodation in Wales
The law is changing – make sure you’re ready
From autumn 2026, if you take bookings for overnight stays in Wales, you’ll need to register with the Welsh Revenue Authority by law.
A new visitor accommodation register is being introduced to give a clearer picture of the tourism sector across Wales.
It applies to anyone who takes bookings for overnight stays in Wales, from informal hosts to professional providers.
Registration is free.
How to get ready for registration
Registration opens in autumn 2026. To register, you will need to provide:
- contact details, such as:
- name
- address
- phone number
- date of birth
- company number (if applicable)
- charity number (if applicable)
- trading name (if applicable)
- accommodation address
- types of accommodation you offer
- how many people can stay
- when the accommodation is usually open for bookings
Have this information ready and registration will take most people under 15 minutes to complete online.
Sign up now to receive updates and get notified when registration opens – https://registervisitoraccommodation.service.gov.wales/email-signup
Read the latest guidance from the Welsh Revenue Authority on registering visitor accommodation – https://www.gov.wales/registering-visitor-accommodation-overview
UK Government confirms EPC changes won’t apply to short term holiday lets
The UK Government has published its response to the consultation on ‘Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes: 2025 update’. The consultation proposes raising the minimum energy efficiency standard for privately rented homes in England and Wales to EPC C by 2030. Following the review, the Government has confirmed that short term lets will not be included in the PRS MEES regulations at this stage, with further engagement needed before any future consideration.
Consultation on proposals to refine the classification of self-catering properties for local tax purposes – summary of responses
The proposals consulted on were:
- enable an average of days let over multiple years to be taken as evidence of compliance, where 182 days letting are not achieved in the previous year. This is intended to provide an opportunity for operators whose compliance lapses by a narrow margin to potentially achieve 182 days letting again, before they would otherwise become liable for council tax.
- enable an allowance of donations to charity for properties on business rates. The proposal to enable an allowance of up to 14 days per year for donations to charity of short breaks to count towards the letting criteria. This is intended to ensure any such donations are not disincentivised and support the wider public benefit they provide.
- encourage a stepped transition for properties moving from business rates to Council Tax. The consultation sought views on the Welsh Government’s intention to encourage local authorities to support self-catering operators who do not meet the non-domestic rates letting criteria with a stepped transition to council tax, charged at the standard rate of council tax for the first year before any premium is applied.
The Welsh Government’s policy position was set out in a previous statement on this matter and in the consultation. Recognising that 60% of self-catering properties have already met the letting criteria, WG remain of the view that, for a property to be classified as non-domestic for local tax purposes, it should be let for the majority of the year.
Following the consultation, WG will proceed with the necessary steps to enable the proposed refinements to the application of the letting criteria to take effect from 1 April 2026. The Non-Domestic Rating (Amendment of Definition of Domestic Property) (Wales) Order 2026 has been made and laid before the Senedd for that purpose.
In considering the consultation responses, WG have also decided to legislate for a statutory exception from a council tax premium, to ensure the proposal for a stepped transition is applied on a consistent basis nationally across Wales.
The necessary regulations to deliver this proposal will be developed and brought forward as soon as possible, to apply from 1 April 2027. The Welsh Government will work with local government to deliver these policy refinements.
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.
- It’s free and takes around 5 minutes
- Get more visibility on our site and channels
- Chance to be featured in our monthly newsletter
- Keep footfall and bookings strong post‑summer
What you need
- Event title, dates/times
- Short description (50–120 words)
- Location and booking link (if applicable)
- 1 quality image (landscape), no heavy text posters if possible
- Your contact details
Tip: The sooner you upload, the longer your event is promoted. Running multiple dates? Include them all.
Questions or need help? Just email digital@gonorthwales.org.uk
https://www.gonorthwales.co.uk/whats-on/submit-event
Foodex Exhibition
Keith Stringer from KPS Business will be attending the Foodex exhibition in Tokyo again from March 10th – 13th. Food & drink exports to Japan are growing quickly as the Japanese very much value British quality and business practices.
If you are interested to know more about opportunities in Japan, please feel free to make contact at either- Keith@kpsbusinesshelpline.co.uk or Keith@itsgworld.com.
Networking Event
Are you looking to connect with more businesses and grow your contacts across North Wales?
Barclays Bank and Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors, based in Conwy, have teamed up to organise regular opportunities to meet fellow businesses without the formality of traditional networking events.
The idea behind 4NorthWales is to bring people together in attractive spaces, with drinks and nibbles on hand – and the venue is never the same twice.
Venues have ranged from clifftop restaurants to town centre wine bars, with the next event taking place at the Halliwell Jones North Wales luxury BMW centre in Llandudno Junction on Thursday 26th February from 5.45pm to 7.30pm.
Places are free but you are advised to book by visiting https://bit.ly/4NWFeb2026 or emailing marketing@lblaw.co.uk
