Welcome to your May tourism e-newsletter from MWT |
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Tributes to Pam Powell, MBE |
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Tributes have been paid to a passionate ambassador for the Welsh and British tourism industry who died last Wednesday at the age of 96.
Pam Powell, MBE, from Rhayader, travelled the world with Wales Tourist Board (WTB) and British Tourist Authority (BTA) to provide Welsh teas at tourism trade and public exhibitions.
She would often drive to events across Europe towing a specially adapted Ivor Williams trailer packed with Welsh tea, scones, Welsh cakes and bara brith. Sometimes she would be accompanied by her team of ‘Welsh farmhouse ladies’.
When WTB/BTA raised the issue of customs duties, Pam's reply was: ‘Who's going to stop a little, old lady with white hair?”
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Reminder: Virtual MWT Members' Meetings |
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It's been great to see a few members at our virtual meetings recently. The first topic last month was a Covid round table discussion, followed by a marketing focus and presentation from Val, our CEO.
Our first 'area' meeting this morning was for members in North Powys.
It's not too late to register for one of our upcoming zoom events:
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Tuesday 11th May: 11am - 12:30pm - Southern Snowdonia
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Tuesday 18th May: 11am - 12:30pm - Ceredigion
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Tuesday 25th May: 11am - 12:30pm - Brecon & Radnorshire
Area meetings are catch-ups for members in and around particular areas, including round-table chat/updates, plus latest membership and marketing news. Hear from other members in your area and share your experiences.
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Please register ASAP and we'll send you the link to join us prior to the meeting.
These are private meetings for members of MWT only, so we please ask you not to share the link/s with anyone else. Meetings may be recorded for note taking, and may be shared in our MWT Cymru Members' Only Facebook Group.
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Spotlight Feature: King Arthurs Labyrinth |
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To highlight some of our long-standing MWT members in celebration of MWT's 30th year, Claire spoke to Ian Rutherford from King Arthur's Labyrinth.
Thank you, Ian.
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Please tell other members a bit about you and your business
John Lloyd of Aberllefenni Slate Mine and I formed Corris Caverns Limited with a view to developing the Braichgoch Slate Mine in Corris into a visitor attraction. We were well aware of the appeal of exploring underground slate workings but we were equally conscious that the story of slate mining was well told elsewhere. Eventually we decided to draw on the wealth of Welsh myths and legends as a theme using the underground workings as a dramatic backdrop.
We were able to capture the water running through the tunnel to create an underground river and we commissioned a specially designed boat from the boatyard in Ynyslas to carry visitors along the river, through the magic waterfall and into a time of myth and legend. So King Arthur’s Labyrinth was born and it welcomed its first visitors in the summer of 1993.
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Covid Recovery Insights Report |
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In ClearSight's latest edition of 'On Recovery', (the first since significant parts of the economy re-opened on 12th April), they provide an update on the mood of UK consumers, their outlook on the COVID-19 pandemic, activity levels during April and readiness to re-engage. |
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Key findings from this report include:
- National opinion on the pandemic flatlines – but the out-of-home economy is now recovering
- Rail usage in April recovers to levels last seen in October
- UK holiday booking incidence rises to its highest level since September
- More than half the population is now comfortable with staying in hotels
- Outdoor attraction visitors return, as indoor sites narrow the comfort gap
- Business confidence is now running ahead of consumers, with the plurality of decision-makers believing that the worst of the crisis has now passed.
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Social Impacts of Coronavirus
The ONS has published another report on the social impacts of coronavirus which provides useful insights on customer behaviour for businesses and destinations that have either reopened or are looking to reopen on 17th May.
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More Press & PR coverage for the region |
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It was fantastic to see Machynlleth featured in The Guardian's list of '15 UK market towns you'll want to discover'. "These lovely and lively towns – for a day trip or spring getaway – also make great bases for exploring the nearby countryside."
MWT has strengthened our links with the Guardian, following other positive coverage during lockdown, for example in Rhayader: 'We can't wait': outdoor capital of Wales ready for tourists' - interviews with our members, Lon Farm Lodges, Mid Wales Holiday lets, Adrian Greason-Walker (Seven Stars Lodge & Wales Tourism Alliance), Penrhos Park (MWT Chairman, Rowland Rees-Evans), and Hafod Hardware.
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The following piece in the Shropshire Star, from MWT and Natural Resources Wales, encourages visitors to respect the countryside when they visit and highlights a number of NRW sites. "There’s no better place to relax and immerse oneself in beautiful countryside and spectacular scenery than Mid Wales, the rural heartland of Wales."
Also covered in the County Times and the Express & Star (Midlands newspaper).
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Countryfile have also featured RSPB Ynys Hir: "Explore the wildlife paradise of RSPB Ynys Hir in Mid Wales to enjoy spring birds and wildflowers plus an extraordinary encounter with a lesser spotted woodpecker in episode 3, season 9 of the BBC Countryfile Magazine podcast."
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Wales Start Up Awards - enter today |
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These awards celebrate the best new businesses in Wales and we'd love to encourage our new members to enter. There are lots of categories including Tourism and Leisure Start-Up of the Year. |
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This free welsh taster course has been tailored for the Tourism sector. |
"You may not have to speak Welsh fluently in your role but a few phrases and some understanding as well as a positive attitude will go a long way to providing a bilingual service." |
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Superfast Business Wales have a whole host of useful webinars coming up. Various dates in May & June:
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Superfast Business Wales | Food and Drink producers: free webinars |
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Part 1: Digital marketing for food & drink producers
- Engaging your target market
- Developing a strategy to create sales
- Measuring what works and what doesn't
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Part 2: Online tools for food and drink producers
- Booking systems and click and collect
- Building customers relationships
- Managing your accounts and payments online
- Keeping your business safe
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'Building Your Business' Conference |
Focus Newtown Enterprise Hub are holding a virtual ‘Building Your Business’ Conference on Thursday 13th May, 12:00 - 16:30, with a focus on the tourism, retail and food sectors.
This event is free to attend.
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Lucie Andrews, Enterprise Hub Engagement Coordinator, said "It’s set to be a really fantastic afternoon with lots of great speakers and some really insightful conversation."
Guest speakers include:
- Claire Copeman, Adventure Tours UK – ‘Making the most of the staycation situation’
- Kelly Davies, The GoodWash Company– ‘Raising the bar’
- Scott Davies, Hilltop Honey – ‘Sweet success’
There will also be a breakout room – Pivoting for prosperity: Your changes in direction to succeed post-COVID / Satisfying new demands together (networking opportunities).
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Workshops & Masterclass for May |
All courses are fully funded for any business who sources, serves and sells Welsh Food and will be delivered virtually. |
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1. Waking Up to Inspiration, 5 May 11am: If you’re looking for Breakfast Menu inspiration, join us for a practical demonstration of exciting new recipes utilising local food and drink.
2. Refreshing your Menu, 6 May 11am: This session will cover the best way to plan an appealing, balanced menu. We will help you cater for all diets and show you how to feature local food and drink.
3. Food Styling & Photography, 7 May 11am: Run by professional photographer Phil Boorman and food stylist Nerys Howell, this workshop will show you how to style and photograph better images of your signature dishes for you to share on your website.
4. The Best Customer Experience, 12 May 1.30pm: As you prepare to welcome customers back after lockdown, join us for some top tips on how to offer the best customer experience possible.
5. Create an authentic local eating experience, 13 May 11am: With ever increasing interest in local foods and drink, this session focuses on how to source these products. We explore what is new and importantly how to include in your business USP (unique selling point).
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Social media - Tag us in! |
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Don't forget when you're on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, to tag @VisitMidWales, #VisitMidWales or #RealMidWales for the opportunity to feature in our feeds. Zoe's always on the lookout for great images from members.
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The Countryside Code Family |
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Natural Resources Wales have a handy page on their website which groups together 'The Countryside Code Family' in one place.
It's a great link to add to your own websites (URL below), to encourage your visitors and guests to follow the Countryside Code and any relevant activity codes for safe and happy visits to the countryside, and to avoid causing problems for others.
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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. |
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As always, if you need any additional help or support please contact us
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