network of tourism organisations
Acronyms
- BHA
- British Hospitality Association
- BHHPA
- British Homes & Holiday Park Association
- CCW
- Countryside Council for Wales
- DMS
- Destination Management System
- DE&T
- Department for Economy and Transport
- DH
- Department of Heritage
- ESF
- European Social Fund
- LA
- Local Authority
- MWT
- Mid Wales Tourism
- NWEF
- North Wales Economic Forum
- NWT
- North Wales Tourism
- RTC
- Regional Tourism Company
- RTP
- Regional Tourism Partnership
- TA
- Tourism Association
- TIC/P
- Tourist Information Centre / Point
- TPNW
- Tourism Partnership North Wales
- VW
- Visit Wales
- VB
- Visit Britain
- WAG
- Welsh Assembly Government
- WASCO
- Wales Association of Self Catering Operators
- WAVA
- Welsh Association of Visitor Attractions
- WEFO
- Welsh European Funding Office
- WOTGA
- Wales Official Tourist Guide Association
- WTA
- Wales Tourism Alliance
Tourism Organisations
Activity Wales Ltd
2 Riverside Quay, Haverfordwest, Prembrokeshire SAS61 2LJ Tel: 01437 766888 www.activitywales.com
Activity Wales collaborates with VW and works to promote licensed and accredited activity centres approved by the VW and the Adventure Activity Licensing Authority. The publication Activity Wales offers advertising opportunities to activity tourism businesses
Adventure Activity Licensing Authority
17 Lambourne Crescent, Llanishen, Cardiff CF14 5GF. Tel: 029 2075 5715 www.aala.org.uk
The AALA has statutory responsibility for inspecting and licensing organisations that offer all adventure activities to young people under the age of 18.
ARENA Network
Bank Buildings, Main Avenue, Treforest Estate, Pontypridd CF37 5UR. Tel: 01443 844001 www.arenanetwork.org
ARENA Network provides practical support to assist organisations of all sizes to implement environmental management systems and to adopt environmental best practice. It is an independently run organisation operating throughout Wales on a not for profit basis with funding from both the public and private sectors. ARENA is a nominated lead body in the delivery of the Business & Environmental Action Plan for Wales.
Arts Council for Wales (ACW)
9 Museum Place, Cardiff CF10 3NX. Tel: 029 2037 6500 www.ccc-acw.org.uk
ACW is funded by WAG and is responsible for funding and developing the arts in Wales. ACW is also the distributor of Lottery funding for the arts in Wales. It works in partnership with professional, community and voluntary arts associations, local authorities and other organisations.
British Holiday and Homes Park Assoc
Chichester House, 6 Pullman Court, Great Western Road, Gloucester GL13ND. Tel: 01452 526911 www.ukparks.com
BHHPA is the nationally recognised representative body of the parks industry. Members can benefit from upto- the-minute information and advice through publications and a telephone advice service, marketing services, PR campaigns, central purchasing services and a local branch network.
British Hospitality Association
Queen’s House, 55-56 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BH. Tel: 020 7404 0601 www.bha-online.org.uk
The BHA speaks for, and negotiates on behalf of, members within the hotel and catering industry to government and other organisations, as well as providing a wide range of services for members.
CADW (Welsh Historic Monuments)
Plas Carew, Unit 5/7 Cefn Coed, Parc Nantgaw, Nantgarw, Cardiff, CF15 7QQ. Tel: 01443 336000 www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
CADW (Welsh Historic Monuments) is responsible for protecting, conserving and promoting an appreciation of the built heritage in Wales. It is involved in preservation work and direct management of many ancient monuments and historic properties. CADW also provides grants for specific purposes to owners of historic properties and heritage sites.
Confederation of British Industry
(CBI) Wales Ground Floor Unit 3, Columbus Walk, Brigantine Place, Cardiff CF10 4WW. Tel: 029 2045 3710 www.cbi.org.uk
The CBI represents companies from all sectors of the economy. It is a source of expert information and advice on a wide range of business topics, a forum for the generation of ideas and the exchange of best practice, and provides high-level networking opportunities.
Countryside Council for Wales (CCW)
Maes Y Ffynnon, Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor LL57 2DN Tel: 01248 385500 www.ccw.gov.uk
CCW is the statutory advisor to WAG and other parts of government on sustaining natural beauty and wildlife, and promoting opportunities for outdoor enjoyment in Wales. It manages National Nature Reserves and is also the national wildlife conservation authority. The Council can provide information and advice on countryside matters to assist tourism businesses.
Croeso Programme
The Croeso programme will comprise 3 components, namely, Croeso Cymru – A Sense of Place; Croeso Cynnes – A Warm Welcome; Croeso Cymraeg – Our language, our heritage
Design Wales
This organisation can provide comprehensive advice and support services on all design-related issues, including marketing communications, product design, branding and selecting design consultants.
Disability Wales
Wernddu Court, Caerphilly Business Park, Van Road, Caerphilly CF83 3ED. Tel: 029 2088 7325 www.dwac.demon.co.uk
This organisation works with other disability organisations in Wales to assist disabled people and to reduce barriers to participation. It can provide information and advice on access issues to tourism businesses.
Environment Agency Wales
Rivers House, St Mellons Business Park, St Mellons, Cardiff CF3 0EY. Tel: 029 2077 0088 www.environment-agency.gov.uk
This Agency is responsible for the regulation of air, land and water and provides environmental protection and improvement through prevention, education, working in partnership with others and, when necessary, enforcement. It is committed to the goal of sustainable development of rural communities and is sponsored by the Department for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and WAG. The Environment Agency provides information on environmental issues. It has a regulatory function that includes the issue of fishing permits, inspection and monitoring of licence holders, and prosecution of environmental crime.
Farming Connect
Lanfa, Trefechan, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 1AS. Tel: 08456 000813 www.wales.gov.uk/farmingconnect
Farming Connect is a key provider of services to the farming community in Wales. It aims to provide farming businesses with the opportunity, information and expertise to help them make informed decisions about the future of their business. A team of experts is available to assist farmers to improve, develop and diversify their businesses, prepare farm business development plans and ‘Skill-check’ training needs assessments. A range of capital and other grants is also available through Farming Connect, including those related to farm tourism developments.
Hotel, Catering and International Management Association,
Trinity Court, 34 West Street, Sutton, Surrey SM1 1SH. Tel: 020 8661 4900 www.hcima.org.uk
HCIMA is the internationally recognised professional body for managers and potential managers in the hospitality industry. Members can benefit from a range of services and networking opportunities.
Learndirect
Learn direct can provide information on the full range of training programmes available in Wales. It also offers a portfolio of innovative online courses.
Local Authorities
Many of the activities of the 22 local authorities in Wales contribute directly or indirectly to the wellbeing of the tourism industry and the visitor. Their work includes:
- land use planning;
- attracting new private sector, investment;
- accessing and advising on the allocation of specific grants which can benefit tourism;
- the development, funding and management of visitor attractions, leisure facilities and other recreational amenities;
- the provision and maintenance of key infrastructure services used by visitors, such as car and coach parks;
- regulatory functions involving tourism businesses, such as those related to building regulations and food hygiene;
- marketing their areas;
- funding and managing some TICs.
Mid Wales Tourism
The Station, Machynlleth, Powys SY20 8TG. Tel: 01654 702653. www.mid-wales-tourism.org.uk
Mid Wales Tourism is a membership organisation working to promote tourism to the region. Members benefit from access to information and advice, plus a range of marketing and networking opportunities.
National Parks
The National Park Authorities are responsible for conserving and enhancing the natural beauty and amenities and promoting their enjoyment by the public. The three National Parks in Wales are the Brecon Beacons, Pembrokeshire Coast and Snowdonia. There are warden services and information centres in the parks to help visitors.
North Wales Tourism
77 Conwy Road, Colwyn Bay, Clywd. Tel: 01492 531731. www.nwt.co.uk
This regional tourism company works to promote tourism to North Wales. Tourism industry members can access information, advice and a variety of marketing services, including advertising in publications and representation on the North Wales Tourism website.
Regional Tourism Partnerships
Four Regional Tourism Partnerships were set up in 2002 to cover North, Mid, South West and South East Wales. They are:
- Capital Region Tourism;
- Tourism Partnership North Wales;
- Tourism Partnership Mid Wales;
- South West Wales Tourism Partnership.
Their principal role is to lead the implementation of of four regional tourism strategies, which seek to improve the competitive performance of tourism. The RTPs work in partnership with the VW, local authorities, tourism businesses and other organisations to undertake a range of marketing, product investment and business support activities on behalf of the tourism industry. They manage devolved budgets from the VW.
Sports Council for Wales
Sophia Gardens, Cardiff CF11 9SW. Tel: 029 2030 0500. www.sports-council-wales.co.uk
The Council is responsible for developing and promoting sport and physical recreation in Wales. It works closely with other organisations to create sporting opportunities, develop the potential of individuals and gain international recognition for Wales as a nation with a sporting culture.
The Prince’s Trust Wales
Baltic House, Mount Stewart Square, Cardiff CF10 5FH. Tel: 029 2043 7000. www.princes-trust.org.uk
The Trust aims to help young people to fulfil their potential. It can offer support and encouragement, as well as providing grants to enable young people to achieve their goals, such as accessing training programmes and starting their own businesses.
Tourism Training Forum for Wales
Unit 16, Frazer Buildings, 126 Bute Street, Cardiff CF10 5AE. Tel: 029 2049 5174. www.ttfw.org.uk
TTFW is an independent body providing leadership, guidance and co-ordination for tourism training and education in Wales. It encourages education establishments and other training providers to offer relevant, accessible and high quality training. TTFW helps tourism businesses to take advantage of training opportunities in their area, as well as promoting effective partnerships.
Tourist Information Centres
There are over 80 Tourist Information Centres (TICs) in Wales, which meet the agreed criteria for networked TICs. These TICs are managed by a number of different organisations including Local Authorities, National Parks, Regional Tourism Companies, Tourism Associations and Independent Operators. TICs act as a focal point for tourism businesses in an area. They can assist tourism businesses. TICs can play a major role in helping tourism businesses to promote themselves to potential visitors, visitors already in the area and local residents. They provide free and impartial information on local tourism businesses to visitors to the TIC, as well as answering written, telephone, fax and e-mail enquiries in order to promote tourism facilities and services in their area.
Trade Associations
Tourism trade associations in Wales provide a wide range of benefits to member businesses, such as providing information and advice, lobbying government, discounts on purchasing goods and services, and networking opportunities. Membership is normally based on an annual subscription. Some services may also incur additional charges.
Visit Wales
Brunel House, 2 Fitzalan Road, Cardiff CF24 IUY. Tel: 029 2047 5303. www.visitwales.com
VW is part of the WAG Department of Heritage. VW is responsible for promoting Wales as a tourism destination, undertaking research and improving the standard of visitor facilities in Wales. VW works in conjunction with local authorities to promote the marketing areas. VW can provide operators with a wide range of business advice and signpost other services and grants. VW can provide information on marketing, training, information technology and e-commerce, environmental performance, accessibility, and development and capital grants. VW also offers a wide range of advisory publications for new and growing businesses. VW has led the development of Visit Wales, an online database of information that gives businesses in Wales the chance to market and sell themselves to a global audience
Visit Britain
Thames Tower, Black’s Road, London W6 9EL. Tel: 020 8846 9000. www.visitbritain.com
Visit Britain was formed in 2003 to replace the British Tourist Authority and the English Tourism Council. Visit Britain has 2 parallel roles: domestically, it is responsible for promoting England to the rest of the UK and internationally, it is responsible for promoting Britain overseas as a tourist destination, generating additional income throughout Britain and throughout the year. It operates a network of overseas offices. Visit Britain works in partnership with the VW and the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG). Tourism businesses in Wales can participate in a variety of Visit Britain marketing activities and can be represented on visitbritain.com.
Wales Association of Self Catering Operators
Brynteg, Cae Groes, Bala, Gwynedd LL23 7AQ. Tel: 08701 283152. www.wasco.org.uk
WASCO is an independent and professional association formed to protect, support, promote and represent its members. Membership benefits include discounts on advertising and insurance, and an opportunity for self-catering operators to gain a presence on the Internet.
Wales Association of Visitor Attractions
Tel: 01248 440541. www.wava.org.uk
WAVA works to support and represent visitor attraction operators throughout Wales. It provides information and networking opportunities to member organisations.
Wales Crafts Council
Henfaes Lane Industrial Estate, Welshpool, Powys SY21 7BE. Tel: 01938 555313. www.walescraftcouncil.co.uk
The Council aims to promote earning a living from making craft, gift or textile products in Wales. They can help, advise, represent and promote craftspeople and organisations. Their membership scheme offers event and publication discounts, as well as a range of services designed to boost business.
Wales Tourism Alliance (WTA)
1st Floor, Dominions House North, Queen Street, Cardiff CF10 2AR. Tel: 029 2038 4440. www.wta.org.uk
An alliance of Welsh tourism trade associations, WTA aims to link the different sectors of the tourism industry. It campaigns on issues of importance to the industry.
Welsh Assembly Government (WAG)
Cardiff Bay, Cardiff CF9 1NA Tel: 029 2082 5111. www.wales.gov.uk
WAG develops and implements policy via the civil service and sponsored bodies. It has overall responsibility for tourism in Wales. VW reports and is accountable to the Minister for Heritage. It is responsible for making appointments to the Tourism Advisory Panel. WAG also has a remit for co-ordinating the implementation of economic policy within Wales of which tourism forms a part.
Welsh Language Board
Market Chambers, 5-7 St Mary’s Street, Cardiff CF10 1AT. Tel: 02920 878000. Link Line to Welsh: 0845 6076070. www.bwrdd-yr-iaith.org.uk
The Board aims to promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language. They can offer advice and resources. The Link Line to Welsh offers a free menu translation service for any catering establishment wishing to promote itself bilingually. They also operate a grant scheme.
Welsh Local Government Association
Local Government House, Drake Walk, Cardiff CF10 4LG. Tel: 029 2046 8600. www.wlga.gov.uk
WLGA represents the interests of local authorities in Wales and works to promote local democracy. The Fire Authorities, Police Authorities and National Park Authorities are associate members. Membership of the WLGA by local authorities is voluntary.
