Welsh Tourist Attractions Prepare to Close on St David’s Day in Coordinated Protest
Tourist attractions across Wales are gearing up for a significant move this St David’s Day as they plan to shut their doors in a coordinated protest against Welsh Government policies that they believe will have a detrimental impact on their businesses. The Welsh Association of Visitor Attractions (WAVA) led a one-day strike last December, closing down attractions to voice their concerns about policies such as the introduction of a visitor levy for overnight visitors to Wales. Following the previous protest, the next day of action has been scheduled for St David’s Day, falling on Saturday, March 1. The call to action has extended to include the Professional Association of Self-Caterers in Wales and North Wales Tourism, urging businesses to either lower flags to half-mast or cease operations altogether. These moves aim to draw attention to the challenges faced by the tourism sector in Wales. Ashford Price, spokesperson for WAVA, highlighted the impact on Welsh individuals, stating, “Welsh people will be the ones most affected by the proposed Welsh Government’s tourism tax as 60% of all the accommodation booked in Wales is booked by Welsh people for their Welsh holidays.”
North Wales Tourism CEO, Jim Jones, expressed the devastating consequences of government policies on the tourism sector, emphasizing the urgent need for a review of the measures’ cumulative impact. The industry has faced a barrage of regulatory and tax interventions over the past few years, pushing many businesses to the brink. Alistair Handyside, executive chair of PASC UK, echoed these sentiments, noting the strain on hospitality businesses and the prevalence of mental health issues in the sector. The collective call to fly flags at half-mast symbolizes the widespread discontent among small businesses in response to the challenging operating environment. The demonstrations on St David’s Day seek to underscore the profound repercussions of government policies on one of Wales’ historically robust economic sectors and prompt further dialogue on finding sustainable solutions.
The decision to close tourist attractions on St David’s Day serves as a symbolic stand against policies perceived as detrimental to the industry’s viability. Tourist businesses and industry organizations aim to draw attention to the challenges facing the sector and engage in constructive dialogue with policymakers. By coordinating this protest on a significant national day, stakeholders seek to highlight the importance of tourism to the Welsh economy and advocate for a more supportive regulatory environment that sustains the industry’s growth and resilience. The sector’s collective action underscores the unity and determination of businesses in navigating the current challenges and shaping a more sustainable future for Welsh tourism. This protest signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue between the tourism sector and government authorities, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts to address the industry’s pressing concerns and secure its long-term vitality in Wales. The coordinated closure of tourist attractions on St David’s Day signals a united front in advocating for policies that foster a thriving and resilient tourism sector in Wales.
As the tourism industry in Wales prepares for a significant demonstration on St David’s Day, businesses and industry organisations are uniting to address the challenges facing the sector. The decision to close attractions in protest against Welsh Government policies reflects a collective effort to highlight the industry’s concerns and seek constructive dialogue with policymakers. This coordinated action underscores the sector’s commitment to shaping a more sustainable and supportive regulatory environment that fosters growth and resilience. Through their symbolic stand on St David’s Day, stakeholders aim to emphasise the vital role of tourism in the Welsh economy and advocate for policies that nurture the industry’s prosperity. The upcoming protest represents a milestone in the industry’s dialogue with policymakers, emphasising the importance of collaboration in addressing key challenges and securing a vibrant future for Welsh tourism.