Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Deferred
Paragraph: 82
Require Welsh Government to consider establishing an independent tourism agency for Wales
Recommendation
While we are impressed by much of the work of Visit Wales, we question whether the Welsh Government might be better served if the body had greater independence. We call on the Welsh Government to consider whether an independent tourism agency would better serve the interests of Wales.
Government Response Summary
The UK Government deferred to Visit Wales (Welsh Government), but expressed support for Visit Wales’ work and mentioned their support for Welsh heritage through UNESCO and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Paragraph Reference:
82
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
Although this recommendation is addressed to Visit Wales, DCMS is supportive of Visit Wales’ work in this space and takes our commitment particularly to Wales’ natural heritage very seriously. The UK Government continues to support and represent Wales at UNESCO, most recently supporting ‘The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales’ to successfully become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021. This recognises the Outstanding Universal Value of the rich history and heritage of slate quarrying and mining in Wales at a global level, which aims to contribute to a rise of international visitors. Similarly, one of DCMS’s public bodies, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, continues to deliver a number of grant programmes focused on natural heritage for the Welsh Government. Since 1994, the National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded over £460 million to more than 3,200 projects in Wales – ensuring the Welsh offer remains attractive for the Welsh diaspora and beyond.