Private, public and third sector partners across Swansea have signed a new agreement to boost the area’s flourishing tourism trade.
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The memorandum of understanding (MOU) formalises the working partnership of tourism trade membership organisation Tourism Swansea Bay and Swansea Council.
Tourism in the Swansea Bay area is worth more than £447m annually and supports more than 5,700 jobs.
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Robert Francis-Davies, the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “This document celebrates the long-standing relationship we’ve had over many years. We think it’s the first such MOU in Wales.
“It recognises all the good work that both organisations put into managing and improving the area as a visitor destination.
“Tourism Swansea Bay is the voice of the tourism industry and it’s crucial that it continues, on behalf its members, to have an input on projects and development opportunities over the coming years.
“Our work together to set a strategic direction for Swansea Bay as a visitor destination is a key aspect of the MOU.”
Steve Crocker, chairman of Tourism Swansea Bay, said: “Tourism plays a vital role in the local economy. It’s important that we and our members – from across the private and third sectors – continue to work with the council to support the management, development and promotion of Swansea Bay.
“The MOU is something we’ve been working on with the council for the past year – and our relationship goes back much further than that.
“In 2019 we are achieving our goal of growing our membership numbers with more tourism businesses joining the association. We will continue to work together for the good of the community and our members.”
The MOU was signed by Cllr Francis Davies and Captain Crocker at the council’s annual Tourism Stakeholder Day in the Guildhall on May 15.
It saw tourism partners meet and hear from speakers such as Lucy von Weber and Justin Lewis from Visit Wales, and food writer, broadcaster and restaurateur Simon Wright. Council tourism officers presented their marketing plans for the year.
Cllr Francis-Davies said: “This MOU comes at a time when the council is co-ordinating a campaign to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Swansea becoming a city.
“There will be events of all sizes across the city. We’ll be recognising and celebrating Swansea’s icons, the people, places and events that have helped shape Swansea’s history, particularly over the past half century.
“Our major events programme will play a significant role in these celebrations. For example, the hugely popular Wales Airshow will see an added feature this year with an After Dark programme of activity. Concerts in Singleton Park will include the Stereophonics, Jess Glynne, and DJ Pete Tong. Mal Pope’s new hit show Calon Lan will be in the Grand Theatre and in September we see the return of the popular BBC Proms in the Park to Singleton Park.
“These are just some of the many events that will also help to boost tourism this year.”
