May 2020: Issue 11
Behind the Scenes - Lobbying Update
We would like to share with members a short 'behind the scenes' look at what MWT and Wales Tourism Alliance representatives do each and every day of the crisis to ensure that both Welsh Government and UK Government understand the needs and concerns of our tourism businesses and organisations. 

Members feedback (phone calls, emails, facebook etc) with MWT staff is really important and helps us to provide immediate and relevant information to elected representatives (MS & MP's), Welsh & UK Government officials, Bank of England representatives and Local Authority to name just a few. We are also working closely with North Wales Tourism, Regional Tourism Forum representatives and other tourism organisations throughout Wales and beyond to share our experience and latest information.

The Welsh & UK Government Tourism Industry Response Groups (TIER Groups) meet weekly and MWT is represented on this group by Adrian Greason-Walker and Andrew Campbell. The last meeting took place on Thursday 7th May and you can view the minutes here



A bout the UK Tourism Industry Emergency Response Group (UK - TIER)

TIER is a small group comprising key tourism industry organisations and government. The group develops plans for crisis scenarios as well as managing the tourism industry’s response to a specific crisis. TIER is facilitated by VisitBritain and comprises 10+ industry representatives. Members of the group include the Association of British Travel Agents, UKinbound, UK Hospitality, Britain’s national tourist boards, British Airways and the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions. Other groups are called on depending on the location and nature of the crisis.

Andrew Campbell, WTA Chair sits on this group; to represent our tourism businesses and MWT CE Val Hawkins is in regular contact with Andrew to ensure that the he is fully briefed as to the needs of our rural tourism businesses.

A Big Thank You
We would like to recognise and acknowledge just some of the incredible work done by individuals and organisations behind the scenes to help protect and support for our sector.

So, in no particular order, we would like to share with you a few of the people, businesses and organisations that immediately come to mind:

  • All our tourism businesses that are have been closed since the start of the crisis to protect our local communities

  • Andrew Campbell, Chairman and Adrian Greason-Walker, Policy Advocate for the Wales Tourism Alliance - www.wta.org.uk - Andrew and Adrian have both tirelessly represented the tourism business sector in Wales to ensure that the needs of our sector are understood by both UK & Wales Government officials

  • MWT Members & Directors that have shared your knowledge and good and/or bad experiences with Val & Zoe - this has been invaluable and greatly helped inform our advocacy work

  • Duncan Foulkes, MWT Press & PR Officer - Duncan has been supporting MWT and our member businesses throughout the crisis. Press coverage achieved includes Radio & TV interviews and National Press coverage

  • Sian Pennant-Jones & the Gwynedd tourism team- Sian has kept in regular contact with MWT since the start of the crisis and helped to liaise with council officials to resolve the Small Business Rate Grant issue for the self catering sector 

  • Helen Jones, Visit Wales Regional Engagement Officer & Rob Holt, Deputy Director of Tourism Development- Helen & Rob are always on the end of the phone when we need them and taking forward our issues and suggestions directly to the relevant teams in the Welsh Government

THANK YOU! 🙏
NFU Mutual Support for Businesses
The NFU Mutual have sent across some great factsheets for our MWT businesses that you may find useful.

Downloadable PDF's include:

  • Additional information regarding their Free 'Coronavirus Health & Safety Telephone Service' - available to all their farming and other business customers.

  • A Coronavirus Tourism Business Marketing Guide - which features some practical suggestions on what businesses could look to be doing now, and in the future.

  • Information around Cyber Security with homeworkers
Website Links You Might Find Useful
MWT CYMRU FACEBOOK GROUP

If you haven't already, please make sure you join us on our MWT Cymru Facebook Members Group. There has been a lot of activity over the last few days with members sharing information. This is the fastest way to receive updates as they happen.