Responsible Tourism in Wales

Introduction

• The statement addresses the support for local communities to balance economic, environmental, and social benefits from tourism in 2023.
• Tourism connects Wales globally, contributing positively to prosperity, employment, cultural regeneration, environmental appreciation, and health.
• Goals: Ensure tourism contributes to economic, cultural, and environmental vitality, creating a healthier, happier Wales.

Sustainability Strategy

• Welcome to Wales Strategy:
  • Focus on seasonality, spend, and spread.
  • Encourages off-peak tourism, longer stays, higher spending, and visiting quieter spots.
  • Emphasizes partnerships with local authorities, national parks, businesses, and communities.

Addo Campaign

• Launched in summer 2020, now a long-term initiative.
• Encourages responsible tourism and care for Wales.
• Two main strands: Bro and Byd - promoting positive behavior, community care, supporting local businesses, and thoughtful visitation.
• Encourages sustainable travel and following the Countryside Code.

Sustainable Tourism Wales Campaign

• Piloted last year to help tourism businesses achieve green ambitions.
• Focus on water, waste, supply chain, energy, and travel.
• Aims to help businesses improve sustainability and contribute to Wales becoming Net Zero.

Capital Investments

• Brilliant Basics Fund (2023-25):
  • £5m fund for small-scale infrastructure improvements in key tourist destinations.
  • Aims to alleviate pressure in popular areas, make destinations more sustainable, reduce carbon footprint, and improve access.

Environmental Initiatives

• Efforts to reduce waste and prevent littering through new laws and schemes.
• Extended Producer Responsibility: Companies to cover the cost of packaging disposal.
• Environmental Protection Bill: Ban on single-use plastic items, aiming to reduce plastic pollution.
• Introduction of a deposit return scheme for drinks containers.

Visitor Levy

• Proposal for a small charge on overnight visitors, reinvested in local communities to enhance visitor offers.
• Visitor levies are common globally; Manchester has recently introduced a £1-a-night levy.

Marketing and Engagement

• Visit Wales: Engages with stakeholders to reinforce key messages.
• Addo Campaign: Promotes enjoyment and respect for visited places and sustainability consideration.

Conclusion

• The statement is issued during recess to keep members informed, with openness to further statements or questions when Senedd returns.