Delivered by hand 2nd December, 2009

Dr Brian Gibbons AM

Minister for Social Justice and Local Government,

Welsh Assembly Government,

Cardiff Bay.

Cardiff. CF9 1NA

Dear Dr. Gibbons

RATEABLE VALUE INCREASES FOR BUSINESS PREMISES

As you will be aware via your Advisors, Assembly Members, Members of

Parliament, fellow Ministers and others, the recent rate revaluation process has
caused considerable anxiety within the tourism sector of Pembrokeshire.

As a Trade Association representing tourism grass roots operators, we have over

550 members from all sectors including accommodation, attractions, activities,
events, caravan and camp sites, pubs and restaurants etc, together with over
140 supplier members who interface as part of the visitor economy within
Pembrokeshire. The 15 voluntary Directors on the Board bring a wealth of
experience and vision to our organisation and are representative in their
individual roles. For further information on Pembrokeshire Tourism Trade
Association please refer to www.pembrokeshire-tourism.net.

Evidence collated by Pembrokeshire Tourism Association together with

discussions with Brian Jones (Senior Group Manager South Wales) and Perry
Davies of the VOA, have confirmed that the self-catering sector within
Pembrokeshire has been particularly badly affected, together of course with a
variety of anomalies across the tourism industry including large hotels and the
revaluation of the high street businesses in Narberth. The VOA have been
helpful in attending member briefings, indeed the first took place in early April
this year, prior to the estimates being forwarded – another member meeting was
facilitated by the VOA post revaluation, with a second representation at a
member event in Fishguard Bay Hotel last week.

However, Pembrokeshire Tourism members are understandably considerably

distressed - affecting business confidence and future potential reinvestment
strategies. There are several issues arising from the current situation which I
have

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either discussed in meetings, or e mailed Nick Ainger MP, Stephen Crabb MP,
Paul Davies AM, Angela Burns AM, Nerys Evans AM; Joyce Watson AM to keep
them abreast of the situation and the height of feelings within the Pembrokeshire
tourism business sector in particular. In additional to this I am in daily contact
with Julian Burrell of the Wales Tourism Alliance.

Please bear in mind that members suffering from increases – some well over
100% will have to “put to bed” pricing strategies and marketing material very
early in the New Year, and need to be reassured that action is being taken to
minimise the impact of the 2010 revaluation process on their businesses.

The industry recognises that many businesses have benefited from the reduction
of the multiplier. Pembrokeshire Tourism would however urge:

FOR AN INCREASE IN THE SMALL BUSINESS RATE RELIEF WELL ABOVE

THE 20% ANTICIPATED (the current revaluation process has seen many
businesses enter the 25% relief band, having once benefited from the
50% below £2,000 ceiling).

FOR A SCHEME WHICH OFFERS TRANSITIONAL RELIEF FOR THOSE

EXPERIENCING EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH PERCENTAGE RISES

FURTHER REDUCTIONS IN THE MULTIPLIER

CONSIDERATION TO THE VOICE OF THE TOURISM INDUSTRY IN

PEMBROKESHIRE

Detailed herewith are the main member concerns to date:

LACK OF CLARITY/TRANSPARENCY IN THE REVALUATION PROCESS

One of the issues particularly concerning the self catering market is the lack of
clarity and understanding in the evaluation formulae used. In the words of the
VOA “a whole basket of evidence” is considered including quality, character,
location etc all of which can be considered entirely subjective. To actually
engage in a forumula for the evaluation of a single bed space which then gives a
derivative for multiplying per bed is not possible, and this is where the trade are
finding it impossible to understand where the revaluations have come from –
some equating it to a “black box” where the information goes in, but something
“incredible” comes out.

Whilst clearly the VOA now have a greater amount of evidence on which to
consider their valuations since the former 2003 process, despite completing the
mandatory forms businesses are experiencing huge increases some of over
250%, whilst their own returned forms have indicated a decline in their business.

The self catering sector is not alone in this matter, and again where turnover has
been used as a main criteria for revaluation, a number of hoteliers see this as

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unfair and unrepresentative of the considerable investment which they have
made in the industry over many years.

I understand from discussion with the VOA, that the zoning criteria used for the
retail sector has now left Narberth suffering with rateable values over and above
that of Cowbridge, which as you will understand enjoys a much greater
surrounding population density and road infrastructure/public transport network
than Pembrokeshire can ever hope for.

Narberth indeed plays a key role in Pembrokeshire’s visitor economy. The

2007/08 Pembrokeshire Visitor Survey evidences Narberth as the sixth most
popular place which visitors indicated that they had either been to, or intended
to visit during their stay. This was especially so during the Autumn quartile, as
niche shopping areas which are open all year, become more attractive to the
visitor, and hugely important in contributing to the sustainability of
Pembrokeshire during the shoulder months.

Pembrokeshire Tourism would therefore ask for more transparency and

ease of interpretation in the process in the future. To take into account
a range of research undertaken by various bodies, and to liase with
trade bodies at an early stage during the revaluation outputs. Whilst
accepting that this is a longer term aim, it is nonetheless important, in
taking on board industry concerns at this time.

Member evidence:

“Following submission of requested information by the Valuation Office

Agency in June 2008 we have recently received notification of rateable
values and related business rates . We are completely shocked to find
that our rateable value has almost trebled (since Oct 2007 when it was
revalued after major improvement works) and our business rates are
likely to increase to 3 times what we now pay! We must question such
huge increases. For us they are certainly not sustainable”.

The property in question above is a 5 star self-catering complex East

Jordeston Cottages, which is a high quality product where the owners
have invested heavily (without any grant support) to refurbish and
enhance their offer. Whilst the property was reassessed after
refurbishment in 2007 at a RV of £11,500, the most recent revaluation,
at the lst April 2008 date has come in at over £29,000. This dramatic
rise of over £17,50 in JUST ONE YEAR is totally unbelievable.
Pembrokeshire Tourism is respectful of the reduction in the multiplier
by 20%, but in this case, it still leaves a substantial annual increase for
the operator. In the current economic climate the owners are seriously
thinking of closing their doors, as to find an additional £6,500 PROFIT
to pay this bill, will amount to at least £24,000 additional turnover,
which is not possible.

This is just one example of such huge percentage increases.

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Whist I indicated that the methodology for rate calculation needs closer liaison
with the sectors, again the hotel based receipts system based on turnover seem
completely ludicrous, although I am told that the BHA have been involved in all
negotiations. I note from correspondence received from yourself to Stephen
Crabb MP that “Non domestic rates are a property tax based on the estimated
rental values of business properties, NOT A TAX ON PROFITS, TURNOVER OR
INDIVIDUAL BUSINESS PERFORMANCE”

There DOES seems to be a lack of comprehension of the term turnover, which

has very little to do with profitability, and certainly doesn’t reflect in any way
working hours, sustainability or indeed the increasingly high energy prices, fuel
and wages (including the increasing recently of the minimum wage. Whilst
members quote revaluations increasing three fold over a ten year period,
profitability certainly hasn’t.

As I indicated earlier the VOA has attended a number of member briefings clearly
indicating that both hotels, pubs and restaurants were a receipt based turnover
revaluation process. I note from the same correspondence that “The Valuation

Office Agency has held extensive discussions with organisations representing the
tourist industry such as Wales Tourism Alliance, WASCO, the British Hospitality
Association and The National Caravan Council, and in the main reached
agreement as to the methodology to be used to assess the valuations of
business properties such as pubs, restaurants, guest houses, hotels and leisure
caravans”.

I would indicate here that WASCO certainly is not happy with the revaluation
methodology, and has made this clear on a number of occasions, as has WTA in
attempting to negotiate a meeting with your office to discuss the current
situation.

In terms of percentage rises within the town of Narberth, I know that the
Chamber of Trade will have already been in contact with you making their
representations, together with Angela Burns MP and others and are forwarding a
petition for consideration prior to the Assembly’s Christmas Recess.

I would like to offer Pembrokeshire Tourism Associations concern and support to

the campaign for reconsideration of the disproportionate rates which are now
being suggested for this town and for your advisors to look at an appropriate
package of aid for the businesses therein.

CONFLICTING POLICIES WITHIN WELSH ASSEMBLY GOVERNMENT

There is absolutely no doubt that there is conflict on a number of levels within

the Welsh Assembly Government in terms of investment strategies and policies.
Any number of Ministers are advocating investment, which has resulted in a
significant percentage of Pembrokeshire tourism operators facing revaluations in
excess of 55% and feeling penalised for following such investment criteria.

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Visit Wales, Tourism Investment Strategy 2008 – 2013 introduction states
“Continual improvement and investment in Wales’s tourism products will be
essential, firstly to maintain our competitive position, and more importantly to
attempt to gain a competitive edge in key product areas”.

Further, the strategy continues by indicating that the stock of 4/5 star hotels
within Wales are low in comparison to competitor destinations, but that 64% of
total graded stock in self catering within Wales has achieved 4 and 5 star, with
the sector profile stronger then competitor destinations. The previous
investment strategy operated by WTB also indicates that in Self Catering
objectives are : - to increase the penetration of branded products and to equip
sector to service year round demand.

Section 4 grant approvals within Pembrokeshire from 01/042004 – 31/03/009

(superseded by the Single Investment Fund) are in the sum of £2,360,570 for
tourism products ranging from self catering holiday accommodation, guest
houses, b and bs, country house 5 star accommodation, visitor attractions, golf
club, lodge accommodation, barn conversion to accommodation, swimming
pools, upgrade of restaurants, WTB 5 star self catering cottages, restructuring
and upgrades.

In almost all cases whether within the serviced or unserviced accommodation it

is clear that the grant support has been approved in line with overall
enhancement of product and an achievement of a 4/5 star grade.

It now appears during the current revaluation assessments that within

Pembrokeshire particularly, operators are being penalised for following
WTB/VW/WAG investment criteria, in enhancing their product to meet visitor
demand and to ensure that Wales and Pembrokeshire retains destination
competitiveness and operates within a quality framework.

Whilst it is easy to say that in 2008 property values were on the upsurge, in
terms of rental values they certainly haven’t been within the holiday sector.
More and more the trade is having to discount on product both within the
serviced and unserviced sector as third party booking agencies such as
lastminute.com, hotels.com become the preferred point of booking for many
visitors/short stay customers. This results in the constant narrowing of margins
for many tourism businesses and increasing commission pressures.

The South West Wales Regional Tourism Partnership strategy “Open all Year”
focuses on a sustainable, all year round industry in SW Wales, putting emphasis
on the shoulder season by developing niche products and events which will
attract visitors into the region.

Indeed the strategic objectives are:

 To encourage the industry to consistently improve the quality of the

visitor experience throughout the year in South West Wales,
accommodation, attractions and services to fight the changing
needs of higher value, off peak visitors.

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  To improve tourism business practice in South West Wales creating
profits, ensuring future reinvestment and career opportunities and
supported learning to promote the right levels of skilled workers,
managers and owners.

 Policy 4.3.4 “supporting the continual improvements and upgrading

of self catering accommodation. Although priority needs to be
given to serviced accommodation there is also a need to see further
improvement in self-catering accommodation, particularly aimed at
securing year round use.”

The current revaluations however are for many businesses contrary to this
strategy. For many within the self catering sector being “open all year” is just
not realistic or sustainable. Indeed constantly rising fuel prices which will impact
severely in the

next few years as oil prices rise, will result in operators simply closing during the
shoulder period, which would be incredibly sad for the industry and revert back
to “how things used to be” – surely we have moved on from that situation – let’s
not revisit the 1980s and recreate the most fragile of economies for
Pembrokeshire.

The investment which the industry has taken with pride in their own individual
businesses, not supported often by grant packages, but own personal investment
or bank borrowings, has now penalised operators.

Cast your mind back not that many years ago, when Christmas and New Year
and early January were NOT peak booking periods. They certainly are now,
especially within the self catering sector, yet this hasn’t come about via national
media campaigns, moreover through sheer hard work, determination and
individual business market strategies by switched on, dedicated and professional
tourism businesses making fantastic use of digital marketing and all of the
advantages which it can bring.

There is little point in having strategy, after strategy, followed by another

strategy when the VOA is going to fly in the face of all of this and completely
conflict with where the tourism industry needs to be. Just a few of the strategies
currently on the table “Open all Year”, Pembroke Haven Spatial Plan, PCC Local
Development Plan, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority draft Local
Development Plan, Visit Wales Sustainable Tourism Strategy, Visit Wales Coastal
Heritage Strategy, Pembrokeshire County Council Community Plan to name but a
few. Indeed the Pembroke Haven Spatial Plan vision is that “by 2021
Pembrokeshire Haven will be an area of:

“Strong communities supported by a sustainable, diverse, robust economy

based on the area’s unique environment, energy opportunities, maritime access
and tourism growth opportunities”

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Pembrokeshire Tourism accepts that in terms of legislation, the revaluation
process has to go ahead, with the economic situation as we see it today
irrelevant to those assessments made on lst April 2008.

We understand too that Northern Ireland and Visit Scotland have postponed the
revaluation process until the economy picks up, yet your office does not appear
to be considering this as a viable option. With 60% of businesses resulting in a
similar, reduced or slightly increased revaluation, my members comment and I
clearly support them in this that the other 40% seem to be subsidising this
process.

In the middle of a recession, Pembrokeshire Tourism strongly feels that

Government should be reducing the financial and constant legislative burden on
small businesses, and an increase in business rates through revaluation is the
last thing that Pembrokeshire’s tourism economy needs.

I also note from recent articles, which I have read that a revaluation process
could be postponed as all powers for business rates contained within the 1998
Local Government Act were transferred to Welsh ministers in 2006. Therefore,
according to the terms of the Act, WAG should be able to “include such
supplementary, incidental, consequential or transitional provisions as
appears to be necessary or expedient” to deal with this issue.

Pembrokeshire Tourism members have voiced their fears that Pembrokeshire

certainly won’t be “Open all Year” – indeed within the serviced sector, hotels
currently experiencing some 200+% increase would be financial better off
certainly their quality service, cutting future investment and operating a “Travel
Lodge” style approach – closing their doors after the departure of visitors in late
September. It’s certainly a more profitable business model but doesn’t equal
quality / customer experience / or “open all year”!

I think that we would all agree that the product quality and delivery in
Pembrokeshire is paramount, as is the ongoing refreshment, refurbishment and
reinvestment in both capital and revenue elements year on year. Let us not
forget that we are talking here of a visitor economy, small businesses from your
pubs, restaurants, retailers, taxis etc depend on a vibrant tourism industry in
order for them to survive too – all of this has an immediate knock on effect. One
major attraction operator in Pembrokeshire comments “I know in my own
business that when Kiln Park, Tenby opens for the season, I need to put on at
least another 10 full time staff”.

Whilst accepting that the reduction of the multiplier by 20% has a positive
impact on many businesses, where do the self catering sector, with average
valuations increasing by over 55% get additional support, together with the
anomalies in revaluation suffered currently across the board. I have in front of
me for example a local public house with an increase in rateable value from
£15,000 currently rising to £38,500 in 2010. Similarly a two person business,
whereby two very similar cottages were previously rated at £900.00 for both,
now to be revalued at £2,400 each.

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Pembrokeshire Tourism would ask that greater importance is given to
the role of tourism within the Welsh Assembly Government, as a cross
cutting theme there appears to be many Ministers whose portfolio
impacts on tourism including of course the sustainability agenda,
agriculture in terms of the food product. It is interesting to note that
within Scotland and Ireland, tourism is seen as an integral part of
economic prosperity with the portfolio sitting within the economic
development agenda.

Pembrokeshire Tourism would note that the Welsh Assembly

Government should look further at expanding and resourcing tourism
as a sector that brings in wealth, adds to GVA and provides
employment for young people; tourism has indeed proved to be much
more sustainable within the current economic challenges far above
other industries.

Pembrokeshire Tourism is also saddened to note that within 8 Economic

Summits, the revaluation process seems to have taken a back seat,
with manufacturing industries especially stronger lobbying industries
perhaps such as motor manufacturers, taking precedence.

I know that at both Tourism Summits, held in November and December

2008 that concerns regarding the self catering revaluation criteria were
raised (I certainly raised them myself), yet little seems to have
impacted here in Pembrokeshire. Whilst the motor manufacturing
industry has benefited from the “car scrappage scheme” I sincerely
hope that tourism will now also have its own assisted scheme in
bringing forward an appropriate measure to ensure that those tourism
businesses suffering from higher than average revaluation estimates
are assisted financially.

Again I would reiterate the huge economic benefit which tourism

brings to the economy of Pembrokeshire and the industry’s
“bounceback ability” as evidenced during Foot and Mouth and the Sea
Empress disaster.

Member Evidence:

“I am particularly incensed by the way the assessment is calculated.

We have to discount heavily to attract business and are therefore
working on reduced margins but higher turnover. Allied to greatly
increased costs and the imposition of a rate based on percentage of
turnover, regardless of profitability, appears particular perfidious and
out of touch with commercial reality”. I believe that we should be
seeking a rate reduction.. Property values have reduced to 2005 levels
and profitability is down, a further burden such as being proposed by
the VOA may just be “the straw that breaks the camel’s back”, as
businesses are forced to cut back on staffing levels to attempt to cover
this extra cost”.

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The above comments comes from the owner of The Gower Hotel,
Saundersfoot who quite rightly at a Pembrokeshire Tourism member
event this week, indicating that in terms of turnover and how the
assessment has been analysed for the Hotel sector, his operational
strategy could be turned on its head.

REGENERATION

I have attended a number of presentations during my year in post, by the

current Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones AM where he has talked about
tourism as being seen by Regenerationists as a way of taking deprived areas out
of depression. This has included £23 million for Heads of Valley Initiative, £15 m
to Mon a Menai Action Plan including £5 million investment in a new quayside at
Holyhead, multimillion-pound support for the regeneration of the seaside towns
of Rhyl and Colwyn Bay.

Whilst appreciating that the foregoing need financial assistance in this area,
Pembrokeshire has of course benefitted as outlined earlier from investment both
in the accommodation and attraction product over the last 10 years, including
Tenby TGA. My concern is that this investment and any continued Convergence
funding opportunities including Cadw’s “Defence of the Realm” and E4G bids are
fighting a loosing battle, as without high quality, profitable and sustainable
accommodation and retail attractions within towns such as Narberth, this future
investment needs the holistic and not broadbrush approach.

I have spent the last week developing on behalf of Pembrokeshire Tourism two
RDP projects “Pembrokeshire Green Destinations” and “Pembrokeshire Inside
Out” for the 2011 funding round, both of which look at carbon reduction
programmes for the tourism sector, and geographical groups aiming at
improving the tourism offer by working more closely in partnership and adding
value at each stage of the visitor offer.

With 83% of SMEs in Pembrokeshire depending on the visitor economy for

survival, the current revaluation process has hit business confidence severely,
with members questioning the point in further enhancing their product and
reinvesting in their business, when every 5 years they are going to get hit with
the penalty of rate increases beyond any comprehension.

Current investigations by the Wales Tourism Alliance have indicated that within
Self Catering that on average Ynys Mon has decreased by -2%, Gwynedd and
Conwy increased by 2%, NE Wales increased by 36%, Powys by 65%, Ceredigion
by 75%, Carmarthenshire by 62%, Swansea & NPT 16%, SE Wales 38%.

HARDSHIP FUNDS

I note from correspondence from your office to Stephen Crabb MP dated 5th
November you indicate: “The Local Government Finance Act 1988 gives local
authorities the power to grant relief to businesses on real grounds of hardship.
Local Authorities must be satisfied that the ratepayer would sustain hardship if
the relief is not granted, and that it is in the interest of council tax payers for it to

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do so. The Assembly Government funds 75% of all hardship relief granted to
local authorities”.

I have spoken to Pembrokeshire County Council on the foregoing statement – it

seems that the case for hardship is extremely difficult to prove, very drawn out
and indicators are that it could be over 12 months before cases reach their final
stage.

If this is the option which WAG is taking, turning the responsibility back on the
Local Authority to administrate and 25% fund in the face of projected budgetary
constraints, then I fear that many in the industry will just “call it a day”.
Hardship is extremely difficult to prove when sitting on a self catering property
valued at several hundred thousand pounds. However in the current climate, it
would be business suicide to consider equity release options, in order to cash
flow business operations and payment of rates demands!

As one member notes “Over the last 10 years that I have operated this
business, I have seen the imposition of higher licensing costs,
increased requirements for Health and Safety / Fire Prevention / Food
Hygiene and due diligence requirements with associated costs. Indeed
the imposition of a whole raft of beurocracy, which does

not produce anything, the burden of which we have to carry and pay
for. This rating revaluation is a further example of how out of touch
our elected representatives, who are involved in policy making,
governance and economic policy are”.

Not my words, but those out there doing the job, day in, day out, all year around!

REDUNDANCY

Consider further, what does 250% increase on rates actually mean: it means
redundancy, and cutting back even further on businesses, which are operating
leaner than they ever have before.

The tourism market simply can’t sustain these sort of revaluations. Visitors are
yes, looking for good quality, good value for money, but there is a ceiling at
which any purchaser will pay – the industry simply can’t raise that ceiling any
more – the market can’t support further increases. Should operators look to
visitors to absorb the costs, believe me, they will be looking to cheaper options
elsewhere, to Devon, Cornwall and Scotland perhaps, where such rate increases
haven’t had such a huge impact. England already supporting transitional relief,
and as noted earlier Scotland postponing the revaluation process.

Again, it’s interesting to note on your correspondence with Stephen Crabb MP “..
rate relief is one element of an extensive package of measures that the
Assembly Government has put together to support businesses – full details are
available on website http://www.business-support-wales.gov.uk…. “

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On the one hand WAG is offering programmes such as SIF (investment),
PROACT/REACT – both dealing with retraining and protecting jobs – on the other
hand again – conflicting policies at work, the revaluation process will result in
cessation of employment. Member experience indicates that both schemes are
difficult to access, onerous and paperwork driven. A statement by the Deputy
Minister “a total of £5.7 m has been committed to companies in Wales with
under 250 employees. This is around 63% of the total companies who have been
approved for ProAct and 32% of the funding”. I interpret this as 68% of the
funding allocated under Proact has gone to companies employing more than 250
people – over £12 m therefore going to large firms”. I would be grateful to
receive some data on how many small firms in Pembrokeshire have benefited
from this scheme. Feedback received from small business operators in
Pembrokeshire has been quite negative about accessing the funding – I would
add however that there are also glimmers of enthusiasm for the scheme!

If you have already drawn down funding on the Workplace Development Scheme
for example (up to £1,000 for 2 years for training of staff) then you cannot also
draw down PROACT/REACT support.

I sit on the Ministerial Task and Finish Group for the Single Investment Fund. In
past meetings it has been heartening to hear that the quality of applications
coming forward from the tourism sector has been positive – with the current
revaluation knock on business confidence it will be interesting to see at my next
meeting in early December, the effect of this process in Pembrokeshire.

Consider the economics too, if 40% of businesses in Pembrokeshire are

potentially subsidising the 60% with similar or reduced rateable values, then
surely that 40% will be somewhat reduced should businesses close or trade
diminish as a result of cessation of further investment. The constant
reassurance that “the yield raised in business rates will not increase next year”
has to be questionable when that yield “pot” is diminishing.

EMPLOYMENT PATTERNS IN PEMBROKESHIRE

Moving the argument onto the longer term, employment patterns within the
tourism sector need to be considered. As mentioned previously we talk of a
visitor economy, with local communities benefiting from holiday complexes,
caravan parks, hotels and attractions, not to mention our wonderful coastline
with it’s world-leading national trail.

All of these businesses employ local people – strategically again, policy after
policy has been developed looking at retaining our young people within the
county, giving them not just seasonal jobs, but long term sustainable careers;
which as a year round industry, tourism can now do. Traditionally not just
individuals are employed in the industry but families, generation after generation
who have been educated locally both at primary secondary and further
education levels.

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The tourism, leisure and hospitality sector works closely with schools, Colleges
and the industry to keep staff development at the forefront of business
strategies and ensure that Pembrokeshire is the type of quality destination which
visitors expect.

I make no apology for the length of this correspondence, but in closing, I would
say that whilst members have been told that April 2003 valuations were
depressed as a result of the country emerging from Foot and Mouth, the current
economic challenges are no less demanding of businesses. Understanding the
valuation date of lst April 2008 doesn’t make the pill any easier to swallow for a
significant number of Pembrokeshire Tourism members. Tourism puts back into
the economy – over £500m in Pembrokeshire, it doesn’t just constantly take
from it. We are an SME economy; money that is taken in Pembrokeshire is
circulated within Pembrokeshire, keeping families in employment year on year.

My fear is that the current situation is a recipe for mediocrity, whilst members of
Pembrokeshire Tourism have taken huge capital risks in investment; there are
many who feel like “giving up”. We can’t let this happen, Pembrokeshire is a
hugely special place. We haven’t got the big conurbations around us of Cardiff,
Swansea and Bristol, visitors have to travel to get to us, and they do in their
hundreds of thousands, not just for six weeks for the year, but for an extended
period, making the industry sustainable and “open all year”.

I would like to thank you for making the time to meet with me today, and would
invite you and your Advisors to come to Pembrokeshire, meet operators and
experience the fantastic product here, quality of accommodation, attractions and
activities which make the county so special.

Whilst accepting that the legislation is in place, and the process has to go
through the steps, it is the straw that broke the camels back, receiving such an
estimate after a tough year. Despite what banks may be telling the Welsh
Assembly Government during the 8 Economic Summits, this is simply not coming
to fruition – bank lending for capital expenditure within the leisure sector is at an
all time low and cash flow pressure is on.

Yours sincerely,

ALISON J BELTON

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

cc. Alun Ffred Jones AM, Heritage Minister, Nick Ainger MP, Stephen
Crabb MP, Paul Davies AM, Angela Burns AM, Nerys Evans AM, Joyce
Watson AM, Julian Burrell, Chairman, Wales Tourism Alliance, Jonathan
Jones, Director of Tourism and Marketing, Visit Wales, Gary Davies,
Regional Strategy Director, South West Wales Regional Tourism
Partnership, Pembrokeshire Tourism Board of Directors.

55 Main Street,

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 Pembroke,

Pembroke Dock,

Pembs.

Pembrokeshire Toursim, 55 Main Street, Pembroke01646 622228

admin@pembrokeshire-tourism.net

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