Written question WQ95793

Our approach to supporting the tourism industry is outlined in Welcome to Wales: Priorities for the Visitor Economy 2020-2025.

Visit Wales promotes tourism to north Wales in its marketing, encouraging visits at all times of the year through targeted campaigns, a wide range of web and social media content, and PR and media activity, often delivered with stakeholder partners.

North Wales features in the Hwyl campaign which was recently launched by Visit Wales as part of the Year of Croeso. It includes adverts on TV and streaming, digital activity and media partnerships as well as comprehensive content on the Visit Wales website. Two north Wales locations feature in the Hwyl 30-second TV advert (a Wrexham football match and wild swimming at Llyn Padarn).

Financial support for the tourism sector in north Wales is provided through our capital investment funds: the Wales Tourism Investment Fund (WTIF) and Brilliant Basics. These funds aim to enhance the visitor offer by investing in tourism infrastructure and high quality visitor experiences.

We engage with the sector regularly, through our Visitor Economy Forum and the North Wales Regional Tourism Forum. We listen to the views of the industry, through these and many other sector meetings which take place throughout the year.

Local authorities will decide if they want to introduce a levy in their area, based on what is best for their communities.

If all local authorities chose to introduce a levy, based on the proposed rates set out in the Bill this could raise up to £33 million per year. These funds will be invested by local authorities into local tourism, helping to grow our economy sustainably whilst supporting our communities who host visitors.