Archive - Monday, 24 December 2001


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Welcome to all, say our readers

THE TOURIST industry in Pembrokeshire has made it clear that all visitors are welcome to the county - whether English, Irish, Scots or from other countries.

The industry was up in arms following last weeks Western Telegraph front page headline quoting an extremist group saying that the English are no longer welcome in Wales.

The newspaper had highlighted the emergence of a shadowy Welsh nationalist movement, Cymru 1400.

The article also drew a powerful response from Western Telegraph readers. Their anger was aimed at both the movement itself and the Western Telegraph for reporting on its aims.

Cymru 1400, which operates from a PO Box number in Haverfordwest, warns: The English immigrant must be discouraged from settling in Cymru. No longer should there be a welcome in the hillside for these people.

But Tim Brace, chairman of Pembrokeshire Tourism, said: Tourists bring vital income to the economy of Pembrokeshire and all those involved in the industry strive to welcome them to the county.

New marketing initiatives have recently been launched both by the Wales Tourist Board and at a more local level, all designed to encourage an increase in visitor numbers to an industry already suffering the repercussions of foot and mouth.

Messages portraying Pembrokeshire as an unwelcoming destination can only undo all the hard work that has been carried out by the tourism industry in the county.

Do the instigators of such messages realise the harm they do to the Welsh community in Pembrokeshire who rely on tourism for their livelihood?

Pembrokeshire County Councils tourism marketing manager, Alan Turner, said: Pembrokeshire has a reputation for the warmth of the welcome it extends to visitors of all nationalities.

We feel strongly that the messages that are put out to all potential visitors to the county should be those of welcome and a wish to share the fortune of those who live in such a picturesque and exciting part of Wales, said Mr Turner.