Hundreds of jobs are in jeopardy as National Resources Wales announces plans to close three well-loved visitor centres in Wales. The affected sites are the visitor centres at Bwlch Nant yr Arian and Ynyslas near Aberystwyth, and Coed y Brenin near Dolgellau. The closures are part of cost-cutting measures aimed at saving £13 million. This move would result in around 260 job losses, prompting tourism leaders in Mid Wales to urgently seek a meeting with Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies and other regional representatives to discuss potential solutions to keep the centres operational.
In response to the closures, over 4,700 individuals have signed a petition urging the authorities to reconsider this decision. Zoe Hawkins, chief executive of MWT Cymru, is collaborating with other tourism representatives to explore options, such as finding additional funding from the Welsh Government or alternative operators to continue the centres’ operations. They advocate for keeping the centres open until a viable long-term solution is identified to support the local economy and communities that depend on tourism revenue generated by these sites.
Highlighting the significance of these closures, Hawkins stressed the importance of considering the broader impact on rural areas like Mid Wales. She emphasised that while budget constraints are acknowledged, decisions affecting these vital centres should be made after thorough deliberation. Steve Hughson, Mid Wales Tourism Forum chairman, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the value these centres bring to the local economy throughout the year and urging for business continuity measures until new ownership arrangements can be finalised.
In response to concerns raised, Clare Pillman, chief executive of Natural Resources Wales, explained the financial challenges faced by the organisation in balancing operational needs within limited funding. Pillman assured that efforts were being made to minimise job losses and mitigate the impact on partners and stakeholders. She clarified that while public consultation on the closure proposals is not planned, internal consultations are ongoing to align strategic objectives with financial constraints.
The potential closure of these popular tourist sites has sparked widespread apprehension among locals and industry figures alike. As the region braces for significant job losses and economic repercussions, stakeholders are calling for a collaborative and strategic approach to safeguarding these cultural and economic assets for future generations. The fate of these cherished visitor centres hangs in the balance, awaiting a decision that could reshape the tourism landscape in Mid Wales.