Welcome to your December e-news

Thank you to everyone who came along to our AGM and Members' Forum yesterday (Dec 8th) at The Brigands Inn, Mallwyd.

Val Hawkins' (CEO) presentation and report, and the minutes of the meeting, will be shared in our next update.

As you will be aware, the Welsh Government are working on proposals that will give local authorities powers to introduce a visitor levy (also known as tourism tax).

Thank you to all members who have responded to our short MWT survey on this topic.

Welsh Government are running a consultation on their proposals until 13th December 2022 and we encourage all members to submit your own response directly. Every response counts, even if you only have time to answer a couple of questions.

Wales Tourism Alliance Latest News - including: Guidance notes for the completion of the Welsh Government Discretionary visitor levy for local authorities consultation.

The Welsh Government consultation on the draft Regulations to amend 'Class 6 of the exceptions to the council tax premiums for second homes', ends on 22nd December 22.

They are proposing to include categories of properties with the following planning conditions:

• restricting the use of the property to short-term holiday lets
• restricting the occupancy of the property from use as a person’s sole or main home

Such properties would be liable for council tax at the standard rate but a premium could not be charged.

Planning ahead for 2023... Are you offering any special events / experiences / packages / menus etc for St Dwynwen's Day or Valentine's Day?

St Dwynwen’s Day (or 'Dydd Santes Dwynwen' in Welsh) is celebrated on 25th January every year. Find out more here.

In preparation for our Visit Mid Wales blog and PR, please email claire@mwtcymru.co.uk with your plans for St Dwynwen's Day and/or Valentine's Day, including any special offers.

We're also keen to hear from accommodation (with availability) that's perfect for a romantic getaway for 2 - please tell us why you fit the bill, and why visitors should choose you for St Dwynwen's Day (25th Jan) and/or Valentine's Day (14th February).

Year-round - please send all your press releases to press@mwtcymru.co.uk

and submit your events here for inclusion on our websites.

Image credit: Love2Stay Mid Wales

Support to improve your digital skills & upgrade your digital platform

Are you a hospitality business, or a food and drink producer located in Gwynedd? Do you want help to improve your digital platform?

This year-long project run by Gwynedd Council will give up to 65 hospitality businesses and food and drink producers the opportunity to take advantage of specialist support to improve their digital skills, and upgrade their digital platform. 

Gwynedd Ambassador Scheme Launched

Gwynedd Council has launched an online course to learn more about the county’s heritage, habitats and history. The aim of the Gwynedd Ambassador scheme is to give people who live, work, study or have an interest in Gwynedd the opportunity to learn and improve their knowledge of the county’s unique characteristics.

Members in other parts of Wales may also apply, to share your knowledge with your guests / visitors. Wales Ambassador courses are also available in Denbighshire, Snowdonia National Park, Conwy and Brecon Beacons National Park.

Cosy Accommodation in Mid Wales this Winter - Visit Mid Wales blog

Wintry walks in Mid Wales - Visit Mid Wales blog

Festive Afternoon Teas in Mid Wales - Visit Mid Wales blog

07/12/22: Royal Welsh Agricultural Society helps to light up Builth Wells

30/11/22: Magical Christmas activities promised at The Silver Mountain Experience

28/11/22: Wales launches premier national competitions to find the best chefs

25/11/22: Santa special trains will complete a good year for Corris Railway

25/11/22: A Visitor Levy for Wales - Reminder to have your say: Closes 13 December

25/11/22: Visit Wales Product Listing Tool: Improvements made

25/11/22: Cymru Wales at The World Cup 2022 Campaign overview and assets

24/11/22: Eat, drink and be merry at The Royal Welsh Winter Fair

24/11/2022: A warm welcome awaits visitors to The National Library this winter

23/11/22: Falconry Experience Wales adds Wales Prestige Award to its collection

21/11/22: Regenerative farmer Dafydd Wynne Finch to open Royal Welsh Winter Fair

21/11/22: Mid Wales Tourism's Annual meeting will give important industry updates

18/11/22: The Red Wall at The National Library of Wales

16/11/22: Festive afternoon tea returns to Kerry Vale Vineyard

15/11/22: Open weekend at award-winning In the Welsh Wind distillery

17/11/22: Welsh distillery partners with seed company to make three grain vodka

15/11/22: Festive underground adventures at Corris Mine Explorers

08/11/22: Tully appointed executive chef at four star Mid wales restaurant with-rooms

04/11/22: Corris Railway urging customers to hurry to pre-book Santa Specials

Missed our November e-news? Featuring:

• Energy bill relief scheme: Help for businesses and other non-domestic customers
• Visit Wales marketing industry update: post-event resources available
• Tourism Exchange Great Britain (TXGB)

• Spotlight Feature: Wales Best Guides
• 5 Top Tips for working with Visit Wales
• Latest News & New MWT Members

If you haven't already, please make sure you join us on our MWT Cymru Facebook Members Group. This is the fastest way to receive updates as they happen.