SOARING temperatures over the May bank holiday weekend were a welcome boost to Pembrokeshire’s tourism industry as the season finally got underway in glorious sunshine.

Some tourism operators had reported a stuttering start, which was attributed to the weather, but the industry remains optimistic of a bumper season especially as we celebrate the Visit Wales Year of the Sea in 2018.

Pembrokeshire Tourism has carried out a poll of its members and is encouraged by the responses received.

Tourism Liaison Manager Dennis O’Connor said: “The Bank Holiday has been a welcome boost for the industry. The fine weather meant the roads were busy with visitors arriving in Pembrokeshire and the accommodation and camping sectors reported a significant upturn in bookings.

“Attractions such as Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo, Heatherton World of Activities and Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre were once again a huge draw for visitors wanting a family day out and the food and drink sectors, particularly in the coastal regions were kept busy.”

This follows the recent success of the Pembrokeshire Tourism Awards, the accolade from the BBC Countryfile Magazine of the Pembrokeshire coast being named as the holiday destination of the year, and reports that UK holiday makers are set to spend £13 billion on staycations this year.

Pembrokeshire Tourism’s chair, Jane Rees-Baynes said: “Tourism operators in Pembrokeshire work hard to meet the challenges of an increasingly important industry. The expectations of the visitor continues to evolve with many wanting to experience the type of holiday they’ve never had previously. The growth in adventure tourism is being met by tourism operators who are harnessing the natural attributes that we have in abundance in Pembrokeshire, namely the land and sea and they are giving holiday makers an unforgettable experience which will keep them coming back time and time again.”