On March 1st, Welsh tourism businesses will mark St David’s Day not with celebrations, but with a powerful message to the Welsh Government (WG). Flags will be lowered to half-mast, and attractions will close their doors in protest against policies that are damaging our industry.
Last December, the Welsh Association of Visitor Attractions (WAVA) led a one-day strike, highlighting the impact of the WG’s anti-tourism stance. Now, the movement is growing. This time, we’re joined by North Wales Tourism and the Professional Association of Self Caterers in Wales, uniting to demand change before it’s too late.
🏴 Why are we protesting?
- Falling tourist numbers 📉
- The 182-day rule, which is crippling businesses 🏡
- The proposed tourism tax, which will affect Welsh residents just as much as visitors đź’·
WAVA spokesperson Ashford Price warns:
👉 “60% of accommodation bookings in Wales are made by Welsh people for their own holidays—yet they’ll now be taxed for staying in their own country!”
👉 “Even babies in tents, caravans, or cottages will be taxed under these proposals!”
Jim Jones, CEO of North Wales Tourism, adds:
📢 “Despite countless attempts to engage with the Welsh Government, our concerns have been ignored. Many businesses are struggling to survive. That’s why we’re calling for flags to be lowered, symbolising the deep damage being done to one of Wales’ most vital industries.”
Alistair Handyside MBE, Executive Chair of PASC UK, stresses:
💬 “Hospitality businesses have faced a tsunami of taxes and regulations in recent years. Many are at breaking point, with mental health struggles widespread in the sector. An urgent review of these policies is needed now.”
⚠️ No Tourism = No Growth = No Future ⚠️
If you support Welsh tourism, join us on March 1st by lowering your flags and making your voice heard.
đź“ž For media enquiries, contact:
đź“Ť Ashford Price (WAVA & Dan Yr Ogof Caves): 07989 855313
đź“Ť Jim Jones (North Wales Tourism): 07525 934742
đź“Ť Alistair Handyside (PASC UK): 07771 678028
📍 Welsh Speaker: Alun – 07971 042422 / 01970 617642
#SaveWelshTourism #NoTourismNoFuture #SupportWelshBusiness #HalfMastForTourism
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