Tourism Industry Update
Visit Wales’ Croeso 25 marketing campaign - webinar recording now available
A recording of the webinar, and other useful links from the session, are now available on our new industry website.
We updated on:
- Recent and current marketing activity (consumer and travel trade)
- Our new industry facing website
- The National Tourism Awards for Wales 2025
We also shared our plans for Croeso 25 and talked about the flagship marketing campaign for Wales, Hwyl (the Welsh word for fun), which will be delivered under the umbrella of the themed year.
The Hwyl campaign will launch in January 2025 and focus on the feelings of fun and joy that you can experience “Only in Wales”.
As well as TV/streaming, paid digital and media partnerships, a "Wall of Hwyl / Wal Hwyl" will feature on the Visit Wales homepage when the campaign launches in January 2025.
If you would like your business or destination to be considered to feature as part of the Wall of Hwyl launch content, please email Croeso@gov.wales.
Pembrokeshire 2024 Croeso Awards – winners announced
Congratulations to the winners and finalists of the 2024 Croeso Awards which were held at Pembrokeshire College on 30 October.
Hosting the event at Pembrokeshire College provided an opportunity for students to get involved in all aspects of the event. The event was delivered through the collaboration of Pembrokeshire College and the Seren Collection which saw hospitality students delivering a Pembrokeshire-sourced dinner with the guidance and support of the team at Seren.
Swansea Bay Tourism Awards set to celebrate excellence in the industry
14 November sees the return of the much-anticipated Swansea Bay Tourism Awards, which recognise and reward excellence in the sector.
Tourism Swansea Bay, supported by Swansea Council, Neath Port Talbot Council and Welsh Government, will run this year's awards. Winners will be published on the Swansea Bay Tourism Awards website after the awards ceremony takes place on 14 November.
We’ll update you on the remaining regional award results in the coming weeks.
Brilliant Basics Fund 2025-2026/7 Now Open - Local Authority and National Park round
This round 2025-2026/7 is now open and we are inviting Expressions of Interest for projects under this scheme for both 1 or 2 year projects.
2025 will mark the Year of Croeso in Wales as the latest in a successful series of themed years led by Visit Wales. Applicants are therefore encouraged to consider how their project can add to a Croeso that is inclusive to create a comprehensive experience. For example this could include making facilities accessible to people of all abilities and creating a sense of place, such as the use of the Welsh language.
The closing date for expressions of interest is 22 November 2024: Finance | Business Wales (gov.wales)
Minecraft Education – new tourism and hospitality platform for schools
As part of ongoing work to inform school pupils that tourism and hospitality can offer meaningful career opportunities, Visit Wales has worked in partnership with Careers Wales and Bluestone Resort to develop a new ‘world’ on the Minecraft Education platform, which is part of the award-winning CareersCraft resource.
Designed to inspire and motivate school children aged 8-13, whilst developing their careers skills and knowledge, the Bluestone world is linked to an Area of Learning within the Curriculum of Wales.
Through exploring the landmarks virtually through the platform and taking part in challenges, young people are encouraged to consider their own skills, attributes and interests, and how these can support their career journeys.
The new Bluestone world is now available to all pupils in schools across Wales through Minecraft Education Edition and is accompanied by lesson plans for teachers.
To celebrate the release of the new landmark, Careers Wales hosted a launch event on 15 October at the Bluestone resort with pupils from Templeton Community Primary School.
To find out more about CareersCraft go to Careers Wales website.
Britain & Ireland Marketplace: 24 January 2025 - InterContinental London, the O2
Britain & Ireland Marketplace returns to London on Friday 24 January 2025. This event brings together the networks of ETOA, UKinbound and VisitBritain, as well as national and regional destinations across the UK and Ireland. Connect with 200+ international buyers in a series of one-to-one appointments - from bespoke small tour operators to group operators, all ready to contract the best of British and Irish tourism products.
A special discounted rate is available for Wales suppliers @ £949 + VAT (this early bird rate ends 15 November 2024) – if you are interested in attending, please email traveltradewales@gov.wales to access the discount code before registering for the event.
Tipping/gratuity laws come into force
Millions of workers will benefit from new laws which will ensure they keep 100% of the money they have earned through tips.
Introduced through a Private Members’ Bill last year, the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act and the statutory Code of Practice on fair and transparent distribution of tips came into force on 1 October 2024.
These changes will require employers to pass all tips, gratuities, and service charges on to workers, without deductions. For further details visit:
Exciting Updates to the Pembrokeshire Marine Code to Boost Conservation Efforts
Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum (PCF) is thrilled to announce recent enhancements to the Pembrokeshire Marine Code, developed with input from local stakeholders and conservation groups. The updated code, created in partnership with local operators, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, and the RSPB, aims to further support sustainable enjoyment of Pembrokeshire’s stunning coastline by reducing disturbances to sensitive marine species and habitats.
Since its inception, the Pembrokeshire Marine Code has provided vital guidance to manage the pressures of recreational activities along the coast. This voluntary code offers visitors and the local community practical advice on enjoying the coastline responsibly, helping to safeguard the unique biodiversity within the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
These recent updates introduce refined recommendations to ensure that recreational users can enjoy Pembrokeshire’s natural beauty while playing an active role in conservation efforts. The refreshed guidelines reflect the input of local conservation bodies and tourism sector, making it easier for everyone to contribute to the preservation of this precious marine environment.
PCF encourages all visitors and residents to follow the updated Pembrokeshire Marine Code, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the area’s diverse wildlife and pristine coastal landscapes. For further details on the updates and to access the resources, please visit Home - Pembrokeshire Marine Code.
Wales Coast Path - Business Toolkit
A free, online resource has been designed to help coastal businesses market their business by using the pulling power of the Wales Coast Path. It gives you access to a wide range of material and information in one place.
It aims to stimulate ideas and provides guidance on how businesses can give their new and existing customers’ an unforgettable Wales Coast Path experience. Find out more at: Wales Coast Path / Business Toolkit
Gwynedd and Eryri Sustainable Visitor Economy 2035
The Gwynedd and Eryri Sustainable Visitor Economy 2035 initiative aims to create a visitor economy that enhances the well-being of the people, environment, language, and culture of Gwynedd and Eryri. The initiative focuses on responsible tourism, considering its economic, social, and environmental impacts.
For further details visit Gwynedd and Eryri Sustainable Visitor Economy 2035 | Visit Snowdonia
Micro loans available for Welsh businesses
Small and growing businesses in Wales can access Micro Loans from the Development Bank of Wales, offering between £1,000 and £100,000. For further details visit: Micro Loans From £1,000 To £100,000 - Dev Bank (developmentbank.wales)
Business Wales news updates
Make sure you never miss the latest news and blogs from Business Wales - go to: News and Blogs | Business Wales (gov.wales). Some of the latest articles include:
Please subscribe to the Business Wales newsletter at Welsh Government (govdelivery.com) – once signed up, you can sign in and manage all your Welsh Government subscriptions in one place.
Stay up to date with tourism industry news
View previously published Visit Wales industry newsletters and bulletins: Tourism Newsletter/Bulletin | Business Wales (gov.wales).
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