The chairman of the independent membership organisation representing tourism and hospitality businesses across Mid Wales is standing down next week after eight years in the role.
Rowland Rees-Evans, a director of Penrhos Park, Llanrhystud, near Aberystwyth, will remain a member of the MWT Cymru (Mid Wales Tourism) board. However, he has recently been appointed chairman of the Wales Tourism Alliance, of which MWT Cymru is a member.
He officially stood down at MWT Cymru’s annual meeting at Nanteos Hall, Aberystwyth on Tuesday, January 14 at 10am, having succeeded Anne Lloyd-Jones, of Tywyn, as chairman in 2016.
Rowland has been the voice of tourism in Mid Wales through a series of major challenges for the sector, including the Covid pandemic.
“The Covid period probably tested us the most but, with the help of our great team at MWT Cymru, we were able to relay all the updated rules and regulations to members in a timely fashion,” he said.
“It was also a time when local government was having its budgets cut severely. As always, MWT Cymru has adapted. However, I don’t think any of us could have been prepared for all the proposed legislation and consultation work that has been thrown at us in recent years.”
He said the Welsh Government’s 182-day occupation rule for self-catering accommodation had caused “untold damage” and new waste management rules were costing businesses more money.
“We are now going through the process of licensing, registration and the Visitor Levy,” he added. “This legislation has come at totally the wrong time.
“Many businesses are still trying to get back to their 2019 levels of profitability but have faced the cost of living crisis, high interest rates, inflation and rising overhead costs.
“However, there is a glimmer of light and hope. The fact that MWT Cymru is still here is positive, especially when we as members could so easily have walked away during this turbulent time. Fortunately, we didn’t and we have put our faith in the team at MWT Cymru to help us through these challenging times.”
He praised new chief executive Zoe Hawkins and her team for their work, including launching the new IMI Wales rewards and incentives platform, supported by Powys SPF funding. Using Blockchain technology, the platform aims to boost the visitor offer in towns and local communities across Powys.
“My sincere thanks go to all the directors I have worked with over the years, as without them my role would have been far more difficult,” he added.
A new chairman will be appointed at next week’s meeting when Zoe will give her first report as chief executive, having taken over the role last March.
