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23 July 2025
Tourism Industry Update
AIG Women’s Open, 30th July - 3rd August 2025 – how to get involved
As final preparations are underway, we’re looking forward to Wales welcoming visitors from around the world as Royal Porthcawl Golf Club hosts one of the most prestigious events in golf, the AIG Women's Open.
This is the first time the Championship will be held in Wales and as the largest women’s sporting event to be played in the country, will see the world’s best golfers and visitors come to our stunning Welsh coastline during our Year of Croeso.
Senedd passes legislation to support the future of tourism in Wales
Councils will now have the option to introduce a levy on overnight stays, which will raise money which can be re-invested in tourism-related expenses – such as improving toilets, footpaths, beaches, visitor centres and activities.
The Bill introduces a national statutory register for all visitor accommodation providers in Wales. It will be free to join and provide valuable data on the sector. Registration will be a legal requirement for all providers, regardless of whether a local authority applies for a visitor levy.
We are running the Addo campaign over the summer, focusing on safety in the outdoors. With the main school holiday season now underway, it’s a key time to remind visitors how to enjoy Wales responsibly.
We’re encouraging tourism businesses to share safety messages with their visitors - helping to protect our landscapes, communities, and each other. You can also help by promoting the new Adventure Smart social media channels on Facebook and Instagram, which offer practical advice for staying safe while exploring the outdoors.
Opportunity to join the Welsh Industrial Development Advisory Board
The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy & Planning is looking for 5 new members to join the Welsh Industrial Development Advisory Board (WIDAB). 1 August 2025.
This autumn, Visit Wales will be hosting a series of industry webinars designed to support and inform tourism businesses across Wales. Covering a variety of useful topics, these online sessions will offer practical insights and guidance to help you plan for the months ahead.
Join our upcoming Microsoft Teams sessions for expert insights, guidance, and Q&A opportunities to help you plan ahead.
Become a certified tourist guide for South West Wales
Wales Official Tourist Guides Association (WOTGA) invites you, subject to criteria, to join the Green Badge course in Tourist Guiding, covering South West Wales.
The badges awarded under the Wales Tourist Guide Training Framework are recognised by the Welsh Government and our badges carry the official Welsh Government Dragon symbol.
Britain & Ireland Marketplace returns to London on Friday 30 January 2026. 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 one-to-one appointments. Wales suppliers can access a discounted rate of £959 + VAT (early bird ends 21 Nov).
If you are interested in attending, please email traveltradewales@gov.wales to access the discount code before registering for the event.
British Tourism & Travel Show (BTTS): 19 March 2026 - NEC, Birmingham
Connect with key decision-makers in the group Travel Trade, Visit Wales invites you to be part of the Visit Wales pavilion at British Tourism & Travel Show.
Visit Wales has secured space for up to 9 stands and has negotiated a reduced rate with the organisers as follows:
£1,800 + VAT, total cost for partner pod
£900 + VAT (each), option for up to 2 partners only to share and split costs
If you are interested in attending, please email Lloyd Jones or call on 01733 889684.
21-27 July - Para Badminton International – Cardiff
25-27 July - Steelhouse Festival - Blaenau Gwent
25-27 July - Camp VC - North Wales
28 July -3 Aug - AIG Women’s Open – Bridgend
8-10 Aug – Brecon Jazz – Powys
21-24 Aug – Between the Trees – Bridgend
Visit Wales Industry are on Facebook and LinkedIn
Give us a follow and a like to stay up to date with the latest industry news, events, and opportunities. It’s a great way to keep our updates popping up in your feed and stay connected with what’s happening across the sector.
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.
