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.
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
These are adverts, separate from your normal web listing that show on the home page and the sub- pages. Adverts cost from £250 and when clicked the user is taken to a location defined by the advertiser, usually the member’s own website, rather than your page on our site. For further information on banner advertising please contact digital@gonorthwales.org.uk.
Go North Wales Promotion in Llandudno
Go North Wales is currently promoting a competition 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.
Bookability and Marketing
To help us understand the current position in terms of bookability and marketing of Wales businesses we would appreciate your time in completing this survey.
TXGB is a digital platform that brings together tourism businesses to drive sales and boost productivity by connecting the market in a new and unique way.
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.
Using the Tourism Exchange can:
- provide an easy way of working with more channels without increasing admin, reaching more customers, growing sales, reduce dependency on a single sales channel and reduce commission costs
- provide access to more distribution channels and to make by-products bookable in national and regional destination marketing campaigns.
For further information on TXGB and to get connected https://northwalestourism.com/business-support/marketing/txgb/
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
Put your Business in the Spotlight for 2024
Our leaflet distribution service delivers over 3 million pieces of print to points across North and Mid Wales making sure that our attraction and activity businesses get the best exposure possible. The service provides:
- A 12 month fully comprehensive leaflet distribution service for tourism attractions, activities and events
- Advice on specific target areas across North & Mid Wales and parts of North West of England
- Highly versatile range of leaflet display systems designed to meet customer requirements including wall mounted and free standing racks plus table top units
- On-line reporting (password protected) tool to evaluate effectiveness of your distribution performance.
If you have not yet booked your distribution for 2024 season please contact a member of the distribution team on 01492 531731 or to book your distribution space please email croeso@nwt.co.uk.
Visit Wales Quality Assurance – New phone number
The Visit Wales Quality Assurance department telephone number has now been changed to 0300 062 2418. This replaces the previous 0845 010 8020 number. The email address remains the same quality.tourism@gov.wales.
You can find useful quality assurance information here Star quality grading | Business Wales (gov.wales).
For business advice and support provided by Business Wales please continue to call 03000 6 03000
Visit Wales Adventure Activity Assurance Scheme – Review
Activity Businesses – Visit Wales needs your feedback!
Visit Wales is currently undertaking a review of their Adventure Activity Assurance Scheme. If you run an activity business in Wales, please help them by completing this short survey (approx 5 mins). The closing date for survey responses is Friday 16 February: Visit Wales Adventure Activity Assurance Scheme Review Survey (surveymonkey.com)
If you would like further information on the review or the Visit Wales Adventure Activity Assurance Scheme please e-mail regionaltourism@gov.wales.
Statutory Licensing Scheme for Visitor Accommodation Providers – Views of Consumers and Residents Research
Here is the piece of research that is referred to in the statement below and which will be utilised to justify its development. Key points are as follows.
The Welsh Government with its Social Research Unit has released findings from a recent piece of consumer research into Statutory Licensing. Compliance with health and safety requirements was found to rank highly for domestic trip intenders when booking accommodation. Accommodation that is ‘operating safely’ is considered important for the vast majority (89%) – marginally ahead of ‘positive reviews’ (88%) and comfortably ahead of being ‘environmentally friendly’ (73%). A majority (83%) of domestic trip intenders stated they would be ‘more likely’ to book accommodation if there was a legal requirement to confirm compliance with health and safety.
When asked the relative importance of different elements to be included within health and safety requirements, ‘Gas safety’, ‘electrical safety’, ‘fire risk assessment and ‘food hygiene’ were deemed the most important – more than 4 in 5 regarding them as ‘very important’. Other areas tested included ‘water safety’, ‘legionella risk assessment’, ‘insurance’ and the ‘ability to raise concern with an independent body’. In addition to those tested, trip intenders suggested a range of other potential areas including ‘accessibility standards’, ‘child safety’ and ‘local crime levels’.
The full presentation can be found here.
National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates
The hourly rate for the minimum wage depends on your age and whether you’re an apprentice.
You must be at least:
- school leaving age to get the National Minimum Wage
- aged 23 to get the National Living Wage – the minimum wage will still apply for workers aged 22 and under
These rates are for the National Living Wage (for those aged 23 and over) and the National Minimum Wage (for those of at least school leaving age). The rates change on 1 April every year.
| 23 and over | 21 to 22 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2023 (current rate) | £10.42 | £10.18 | £7.49 | £5.28 | £5.28 |
From 1 April 2024, workers aged 21 and over will be entitled to the National Living Wage.
| 21 and over | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2024 | £11.44 | £8.60 | £6.40 | £6.40 |
Further information on National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage is available https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
That’s right! On the 23rd & 24th of February – We will be hosting a Solar and Battery Expo in Colwyn Bay, North Wales
Tickets HERE: https://rb.gy/dlu2gw
Location: Fan Zone, Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay, North Wales
Thought about Solar for your Home of business? Want to know more without the pressure of someone coming to see you?
With attendance already secured from Leading Global Manufacturers including
- SolarEdge
- Trina Solar
- MyEnergi
- plus more to be revealed!
- Gain insights on the industry
- Speak to industry experts
- Get FREE advice from manufacturers
Speak to the manufacturers of some of the world’s leading products of Solar and Battery
What to expect
- Guest speakers
- Multiple Seminars
- Merchandise Stalls
- In depth presentations from Leading Manufacturers
AND more still to be released
Tickets are available to purchase on Eventbrite or using the link above!!
Each ticket costing £5
There will also be a PIZZA TRUCK on site, where you can redeem your ticket in exchange for your very own delicious, Woodfire pizza
We can’t wait to see you all there.
Employment Law Update 2024
We’re pleased to announce the return of our popular Employment Law Update webinars in conjunction with JMW Solicitors LLP.
This year’s Spring event will be held on Tuesday 5th March 2024 via Zoom and we look forward to hearing about all the upcoming changes in Employment Law.
The format will be:
- Employment Law roundup
- Case Law Update
- Q & A session
This webinar will give delegates an overview of the most important changes in employment law, those due to come into effect in the near future and give a case law roundup. Details are as follows:
Tuesday 5th March 2024, 10am – 11.45 am via Zoom Click here to book.
Who Should Attend?
The webinar is aimed at HR directors/managers, business owners and those in charge of staff. It is free of charge and is being hosted by Supertemps with guest speakers Simon Bloch and Paul Chamberlain from JMW Solicitors LLP.
Why not grab yourself a coffee and join us for this important update. We recommend early booking as places fill up fast and are limited to 2 per company.
Practical Advice Session for Businesses on Retail Crime, Anti-Social Behaviour and Exploitation/Modern Slavery
Sesiwn Cyngor Ymarferol i Fusnesau ar Drosedd Manwerthu, Ymddygiad Gwrthgymdeithasol a Chamfanteisio/Caethwasiaeth Fodern
Protect Your Business! Expert Session – Thursday 7th March
Crime can seriously impact businesses – A FREE expert session covering Property Theft, Cyber Crime, handling Anti-Social Behaviour, Shoplifting and more. Practical advice and guidance from North Wales Police Specialist Officers in a session designed exclusively to support North Wales businesses.
Session introduction from Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman. Event delivered by the North Wales Business Council and North Wales Police & Community Trust (PACT) in partnership with North Wales Police, North Wales Tourism, the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce and FSB.
Date: Thursday 7th March 2024, 10.30am Networking/Coffee and mini-Expo with session proper 11am to 1pm
Venue: Scala Cinema, 45-47 High Street, Prestatyn LL19 9AH
Book Today: https://forms.office.com/r/QSdnXz1Xuu
___________________________
Diogelu Eich Busnes! Sesiwn Arbenigwr – Dydd Iau 7fed Mawrth
Gall Troseddu ac Ymddygiad Gwrthgymdeithasol gael effaith ddifrifol ar fusnesau – Sesiwn arbenigol AM DDIM ar dwyn Eiddo, Seiberdroseddu, ymdrin ag Ymddygiad Gwrthgymdeithasol, Dwyn o Siopau a mwy. Cyngor ac arweiniad ymarferol gan Swyddogion Arbenigol Heddlu Gogledd Cymru mewn sesiwn a gynlluniwyd yn arbennig i gefnogi busnesau Gogledd Cymru.
Bydd y sesiwn yn agor gyda chyflwyniad gan y Prif Gwnstabl Amanda Blakeman. Cynhelir y digwyddiad gan Gyngor Busnes Gogledd Cymru ac Ymddiriedolaeth Cymunedau a Heddlu Gogledd Cymru (PACT) mewn partneriaeth â Heddlu Gogledd Cymru, Siambr Fasnach Gogledd Cymru a Gorllewin Swydd Gaer, Twristiaeth Gogledd Cymru a’r Ffederasiwn Busnesau Bach.
Dyddiad: Dydd Iau 7 Mawrth 2024, 10.30am Rhwydweithio/coffi ac arddangosfa fach hefo’r sesiwn iawn yn digwydd rhwng 11am ac 1pm.
Lleoliad: Sinema Scala, 45-47 Stryd Fawr, Prestatyn LL19 9AH
Archebwch eich lle heddiw: https://forms.office.com/r/QSdnXz1Xuu
🍦Exciting Announcement – Attention all North Wales Tourism members🍦
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the new Parisella wholesale brochure, offering a delightful array of irresistible treats for your guests to enjoy. Parisellas delectable range of ice cream flavours is sure to elevate the culinary experience for visitors across the region. Whether you’re a cosy café, a bustling restaurant, a tourist attraction, or an accommodation provider, incorporating Parisellas premium products into your offerings promises to delight guests and enhance their stay in our beautiful region.
A copy of our latest tourist brochure is below. Why not take 5 minutes to discover how Parisella can add a touch of sweetness to your business!
Want more information? Please contact Parisellas today on admin@parisellasicecream.co.uk or call 01492 592448
Adventure Tech
Located in Lofoten, an Archipelago in North Norway, Adventure Tech AS is a leading tech provider of ticketing and management solutions for the Experience, Activities and Adventure travel industry. From humble beginnings within a small activity business in Svolvaer, Adventure Tech now stands as an innovator of new solutions derived from our own personal experiences. At the forefront is Bilberry, our innovative flagship product for the day and multi day activity sector, seamlessly blending sales, operations, and management systems into one, enhancing customer delivery and sustainable business growth. Our latest solution, Blend, is set to redefine Adventure multi-day booking experiences for DMCs, Adventure Companies and DMOs (including hotel and transportation) with instantly deliverable and changeable multi-day itineraries. Adventure Tech AS empowers local tourist clusters to collaborate to create sustainable tourism eco systems by sharing resources and creating packages within the local community all managed with transparency, so visitors see more, do more, spend more and experience more of the things that make our regions and communities special to us.
For us it’s a pleasure and a joy to be a new member of North Wales Tourism to explore the similarities and learn about the differences between our region and North Wales whilst delivering solutions that enhance the possibilities of tomorrow.
See www.adventuretech.uk for more details or reach out to conrad.haughton@adventuretech.no for an informal chat about Bilberry or Blend.
Urban Tricycles
Urban Tricycles are an award winning British manufacturer of Vending Carts and Tricycles. We have been supplying our products to some of the worlds biggest brands across the globe for the last decade. Our creative and innovative thinking has enabled us to produce a selection of top quality products available to you. From Coffee Carts, Cooler Trikes and Traditional Ice Cream Carts, we build the lot. Whether you are looking to use our products for a start-up-business, promotional campaign or simply hiring them out for the day, rest assured you have come to the right place. All our products are available to Hire or Buy. Please see our website for more details www.urbantricycles.co.uk
