MWT Cymru Members' Newsletter - August Update |
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Dear Helen
Welcome to the August edition of your MWT e-newsletter. This month, we have exciting updates, opportunities and resources to share.
If you have any questions or topics you'd like us to cover in future newsletters, please reach out to us at members@mwtcymru.co.uk or call 01654 702653. Your feedback is invaluable to us.
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Mid Wales Tourism Awards - deadline extended to 6th September
Visit Wales have announced extended entry deadlines for all regional tourism awards in Wales.
The deadline for our Mid Wales Tourism Awards has also been extended to midnight on 6th September 2024 so you have as much time to enter as businesses in other regions.
We know it's a busy time for you all, but please use this extension to enter the awards if you haven't already done so and polish your entry 'til it shines! If you've already entered - thank you and good luck! |
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Winners and finalists will have the opportunity to represent Mid Wales at the Visit Wales National Tourism Awards in Spring 2025. Raise your profile and be recognised for your hard work, Energise and motivate your team, and attract the best staff.
With 15 categories available for entry, don't delay! Submit your application through the awards website, www.midwalestourismawards.co.uk
Good luck everyone.
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Concerns over Proposed Visitor Centre Closures in Mid Wales
A message from our CEO, Zoe Hawkins:
"I want to share some thoughts on the recent announcement by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) regarding the closure of three visitor centres in our region - Bwlch Nant yr Arian near Aberystwyth, Ynyslas, and Coed y Brenin near Dolgellau. |
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These closures, aimed at addressing a £13 million budget shortfall, have understandably raised concerns within our tourism community. Mid Wales is a rural area with a delicate economy, and decisions like this can have far-reaching consequences..." |
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IMI Wales is Live
We are excited to introduce IMI Wales, a new loyalty and rewards platform designed to support and enhance businesses in Powys.
As well as shops and places to eat and drink, attractions, activities and event organisers can also join free of charge and be part of regional IMI campaigns this summer.
For more information or to sign up, please visit www.imi.wales or contact one of our Business Engagement Officers:
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North Powys: Jo Lewis | jo@mwtcymru.co.uk | 07445438471
South Powys: Helen Howarth | helen@mwtcymru.co.uk | 07884 313581
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CALL OUT: VisitBritain 2025 news
As we look towards 2025, VisitBritain are collating Britain’s major travel news stories to feature in their 2025 PR round-ups and pitches targeting international and domestic consumer media; upcoming content plans across VisitBritain.com and VisitBritain’s consumer social channels.
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We’d love to hear your 2025 news aligned to the following hooks:
- Major new accommodation and restaurant openings
- Big events and exhibitions
- New sustainability initiatives and responsible travel experiences – including agritourism and voluntourism offerings
- New products or experiences developed for those with accessibility requirements
- New tours, attractions and experiences
- New trails and outdoors activities
- New film / TV location tie-ins and associated experiences
- Major anniversaries
Send your news to us by 27th August so we can collate your updates and submit them to VisitBritain to meet their end of the month deadline.
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MWT Cymru Chief keen to work with MPs to create thriving tourism sector
Our CEO, Zoe Hawkins, has shared her desire to work closely with the newly elected MPs for the region to help create a thriving economy. “We wish them the best of luck in their roles and look forward to collaborating with them to boost tourism and support our rural communities in Mid Wales.
“Tourism in Mid Wales is more than just an industry; it’s a way of life. It involves real people and families who live, work, and raise their children in our communities.”
Read press release here
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Successful Open Day at Beyond Breakout
Thank you everyone who came along to Lorna and Jo's open day in Newtown last month. It was great to see you all.
We're (reliably?!) informed that Simon, our new Digital Marketing Officer, was on the winning team with Bechan Retreats (pictured here).
Contact Beyond Breakout any time to explore opportunities for collaboration. Add an extra special touch to your visitors' experience with Beyond Breakout's outdoor escape activities that come directly to you! |
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Unlock the Power of AI for Your Tourism Business: Zoom Recording
“That zoom call was so interesting and the possibilities for our business and what's in the pipeline is just huge!”
Clive, Meadow Springs Country & Leisure Park
Did you miss our last Zoom workshop? Don't worry, we recorded it!
Discover practical tips and tricks to implement AI in your business right now including a demonstration of ChatGPT in action.
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We're also excited to be welcoming Jaymie from AI Wales back in September, where he'll be joined by Jon Prescott Chief Data and AI Officer at Cavefish to guest present a workshop focusing on using AI to help with your digital marketing and SEO. Details here. |
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REMINDER: Furnished holiday lettings – implications of the abolishment of the furnished holiday lettings tax regime from April 2025
Date: Tuesday 20th August
Time: 10.30 - 11.30am
Platform: Zoom
Many of you may recognise Gareth Jones as a guest speaker from our Mid Wales Tourism Conference, and we're delighted to welcome him back for our August members' meeting. |
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Gareth is a member of MWT and owns Brynarth Country Cottages near Aberystwyth, as well as running his own Chartered Accountancy practice.
Gareth will cover the key points of the changes in the legislation and the potential tax impacts for FHL owners in the region, reviewing possible tax planning strategies and any actions to be taken before 5th April 2025. Not to be missed.
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How to get more online bookings: TXGB Introductory Webinar
Following the popularity of our last TXGB webinar, we'll be holding another one later this month.
Date: Wednesday 28th August
Time: 10.30 - 11am
Platform: Zoom
Accommodation, attractions, tours and events can reach new customers through a broad range of distribution channels and unique campaigns, brought together in one platform. |
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That platform is Tourism Exchange Great Britain (TXGB), but what is it and how does it work? What are the benefits for your business?Join us as we present a short webinar all about TXGB, including case studies and answers to frequently asked questions.If you want to enable more online bookings, or become bookable online for the first time, this free 30 minute Zoom webinar is for you. |
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September Members' Meeting:
SEO & Digital Marketing Focus
Date: Monday 16th September
Time: 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Platform: Zoom
We all know that having an online presence is vital, especially for tourism businesses, but how can we make sure we're seen online, take on the market leaders, and look good whilst doing it?
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In this session, guest speakers Jaymie Thomas and Jon Prescott will answer your questions about digital marketing and SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), and show you how you can take advantage of AI tools and techniques to help sharpen your online presence and reduce admin time to do it. Got a burning question? Something that's not clear, or that you always wondered about? Just let us know and we'll answer it during the session. |
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Wales Tourism Week
15th - 21st July
It was busy!
MWT CEO, Zoe Hawkins, attended a Senedd reception hosted by the Wales Tourism Alliance, meeting industry members and politicians from throughout Wales to discuss the value of the industry to Wales and critical issues currently impacting the tourism industry in Wales.
With Vaughan Gething standing down as Welsh first minister on the same day, this was a hot topic of conversation.
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Welcome to our New Members |
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Unique Hideaways offers luxury glamping escapes in one-of-a-kind hideaways across hidden corners of the UK. From cliffside cabins and charming shepherd’s huts in the countryside to luxurious houseboats and magical treehouses.
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An idyllic shepherd’s hut in Ceredigion, Ffion is perfectly placed in the heart of Mid Wales and boasts the most breathtaking views of the Cambrian Mountains.
Offering a totally serene escape for up to two guests and your four-legged friend, Ffion beckons to nature lovers and adventurers alike.
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Remember to stay up to date with news and events via our www.mwtcymru.co.uk website. If you haven't already please make sure you 'register' to access our exclusive 'members only areas' |
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