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.
On the evening of the 27 March, the National Tourism Awards 2025 will take place at Venue Cymru, Llandudno. The event will start with a drinks reception, followed by a 3-course dinner, award presentation and an evening of entertainment and dancing.
The National Tourism Awards provide an opportunity to share best practice within the sector, to inspire and promote innovation and most importantly to celebrate and raise the profile of an industry which contributes significantly to the economy of Wales.
Tickets for the National Tourism Awards are available to purchase here.
Visitor Accommodation Levy Session at Senedd
On Wednesday 5th February our CEO Jim Jones and tourism & hospitality leaders from all across Wales attended a Visitor Accommodation Levy session at the Senedd to give evidence on the proposed tourism tax.
Recording from the session is available on the link here.
No Celebration for St Davids
No Tourism, No Growth, No Future
Tourism flags at half mast and attraction closures will mark St Davids day in Wales this year.
Last December the Welsh Association of Visitor Attractions (WAVA) held a one day strike, and closed their attractions in protest at the anti-tourism policies being pursued by the Welsh Government (W.G.)
March 1st will mark the next stage in the WAVA campaign to make the W.G. change direction, and start supporting tourism in Wales.
However, this time other sectors of tourism and joining the fight including the Professional Association of Self Caterers in Wales, and North Wales Tourism.
On March 1st we are asking tourism colleagues to lower their flags to half mast to symbolise that W.G laws are damaging tourism, and are being interpreted in some quarters as being anti-Visitor which does not help Welsh tourism.
WAVA members will again be closing their premises on March 1st to signify their dismay at falling tourist numbers, the 182 issue, and the proposed tourism tax.
Ashford Price WAVA spokesperson said ……“Wales has recently lost 23% of its overnight staying visitors hence we are having to fight for the very future of Welsh tourism. In many parts of Wales tourism is the number one industry, and if tourism is allowed to decline there is nothing to replace it, especially in rural Wales”.
Jim Jones. CEO North Wales tourism said …….”Over time, the policies of the Welsh Government have had a devastating impact on our sector, rendering many businesses struggling and unviable. Despite repeated efforts to engage through normal channels, our concerns have been ignored. As a result, we are escalating our opposition and calling on businesses to join us in a symbolic gesture of lowering flags to half-mast, reflecting the profound damage to what was once one of Wales’ most stable and economically significant sectors”.
No Tourism, No Growth, No Future.
Great Days Out in North Wales Campaign
The campaign includes a pocket style leaflet featuring:
- attractions
- activities
- discount vouchers and a
- colour coded 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 this year too 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
Cymru Drones provide aerial photography, videography, 3D mapping and photogrammetry services across the whole of North Wales. With in-house editing we can help you promote your attraction, resort, hotel or venue with engaging high quality content.
We also undertake roof and building surveys should you have the need to compile a condition report or you require footage for valuation purposes.
We can produce a 3D virtual flight plan for you to detail what we’ll be capturing with our footage. This means that we can interpret your brief quickly and make changes before we’ve even left the ground.
We offer three simple pricing packages- Cymru Drones Light, Cymru Drones Light + and Cymru Drones Ultimate. Pricing can be found on our website and we’re offering a 10% discount when you quoting CDNWT70.
Via the website you can also book a free of charge online video consultation, phone call or arrange a site visit/survey.
Safety is paramount so we take care of the risk assessments and permissions to ensure that we operate safely whilst on site. We’re CAA certified with specialist commercial drone insurance.
We love to talk drones so call today for a chat about how we can help promote your business.
www.cymrudrones.com paul@cymrudrones.com 07772943728
Employment Law Update Webinar
Employment law is evolving once again in 2025. Is your organisation ready for the upcoming changes?
Due to popular demand, Supertems are bringing back their Employment Law Update Webinar, in partnership with JMW LLP Solicitors. With significant legislative updates on the horizon, it’s essential to stay informed and compliant.
Join Supertemps for this essential session, where they will be covering:
✅ Employment law changes for 2025
✅ Key case law updates
✅ Live Q&A session
This webinar will provide a concise overview of the most critical changes in employment law, upcoming legislation, and recent case law developments.
📅 Date: Tuesday, 11th March 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 11:45 AM
💻 Location: Online via Zoom
🔗 Click here to book your place
Who Should Attend? This free webinar is designed for HR directors, managers, business owners, and anyone responsible for staffing. Hosted by Supertemps, our guest speakers Simon Bloch and Paul Chamberlain from JMW Solicitors LLP will provide expert insights.
Penderyn Llandudno Lloyd Street Distillery Tours
Enjoy ‘2 for 1’ Penderyn Llandudno Lloyd St Distillery Tours in February 2025! (Plus our two other distilleries in Swansea and Penderyn.)
Use TFEB25 as the promo code when booking online.
National Living Wage to increase to £12.21 in April 2025
These rates are for the National Living Wage (for those aged 21 and over) and the National Minimum Wage (for those of at least school leaving age). The rates change on 1 April every year.
- 21 and over increases from £11.44 to £12.21
- 18 to 20 increases from £8.60 to £10
- Under 18 increases from £6.40 to £7.55
- Apprentice increases from £6.40 to £7.55
https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
Council of Local Authorities and International Relations
(CLAIR)-organised study tour to Japan
Our CEO was recently invited to serve as team leader for the Council of Local Authorities and International Relations (CLAIR)-organised study tour to Japan. This immersive experience provided a deep dive into Japan’s local government system and cultural heritage, delivering significant successes and valuable learnings.
Successes:
- Immersive Learning: Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of Japan’s governance and culture through lectures, site visits, and interactions with officials, enriching their appreciation of Japanese traditions and practices.
- Infrastructure Excellence: Japan’s advanced transport systems, cleanliness, and investments in projects like OPAM and APU showcased its commitment to sustainable development and innovation.
- Collaboration Potential: The tour highlighted opportunities for Wales-Japan collaboration in tourism, sustainability, and cultural exchange, particularly through initiatives like Wales Japan Year 2025.
Learnings:
- Japan’s Challenges: Insights into Japan’s depopulation, aging society, and talent retention issues provided valuable lessons for addressing similar challenges.
- Wales’ Opportunities: The tour emphasised the need for infrastructure improvements in Wales and the importance of fostering meaningful, rather than symbolic, collaborations with Japan.
- Cultural Richness: Experiences with Japanese traditions, such as bamboo crafts and inclusive business models, offered inspiration for innovative approaches in various sectors.
Conclusion: The study tour was highly successful, providing valuable insights into Japan’s strengths and challenges while fostering a collaborative spirit. It has set the stage for future Wales-Japan partnerships focused on sustainable development and mutual growth. One thing that stood out, was that Japan has a plan for their tourism sector to increase International visitors from 30 million to 60 million by 2030. That is exactly what is needed at this moment in time here in Wales, a plan to grow the economy.
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.
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.
All tourism businesses including accommodation, tours, events, activities and attractions can use the platform.
Reach new international and domestic audiences on the VisitBritain Shop.
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
Carbon Zero Renewables – FREE onsite energy saving review to look at areas members can save energy and reduce costs and work towards net zero.
UK Leisure Living – Special Deals on Holiday Let Hot tubs with an extra year parts and labour warranty worth £750 taking our warranty up to 3 years. We have the Best Quality, Best Value and Wont be beaten on Price. Hot tubs Now from £3995 with the 3 year parts and labour warranty exclusive to holiday let owners.
UK Energy – FREE Electric and Gas bill reviews, to see if we can save you money on your bills. No Obligation but we can lock your energy renewal in up to 12 months in advance! This gives you clarity on your running costs for the forth coming few years in business. (large users 12 months in advance, smaller users 6 months in advance)
https://www.carbonzerorenewables.co.uk/ 0845 034 3540
Printing excellence established in 1904
Since 1904 printing methods have changed dramatically. W O Jones now incorporates the latest equipment in Litho and Digital printing – a far cry from the days when the late W. O. Jones started off hand – setting the type, buying items of equipment second hand for as little as £2. In the advent of modern equipment, W O Jones became the first Printers in North Wales to use a monotype machine.
Today, W O Jones carry out any sort of printing, and pride ourselves on giving customers a professional yet personal service.
Advice is given on design, and our whole set up is geared towards high efficiency.
Please contact for further information wojprint.co.uk or call 01248 750253.
