PRESELI Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies recently held a productive meeting with Fishguard and Goodwick Chamber of Trade and Tourism.

The visit on February 28 was the culmination of a week in which tourism-related businesses bent the ear of politicians about the needs of their industry.

The chamber recognises the significance of tourism in North Pembrokeshire, and took Mr Davies on a tour of Preseli Venture near Mathry, Melin Tregwynt, and Yet y Gors Fishery and Campsite.

Further presentations were made by Gellifawr Hotel, Cefn y Dre B+B, Mayberry Kayaking, Dyffryn Fernant Gardens and Jeremy Martineau on the chamber’s plans in relation to coach visits.

Issues raised included: The lack of representation at government level of the typical small scale tourism business; The impact of business rates on employment; The weight of regulation, some of which is unnecessary; The difficulty in working within the planning system; the opportunity to make more of what is already on the ground by helping businesses work together.

Mr Davies said: “Tourism is a vital part of the Pembrokeshire economy, employing significant numbers of people. Meeting a number of local businesses was hugely useful to me, as they are the backbone of the local economy. There is nothing better than hearing first hand of both successes, but also concerns relating to local businesses. I would like to sincerely thank the businesses I met and also the Fishguard and Goodwick Chamber of Trade for organising this tour.”