Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Fourth Report - Wales as a global tourist destination
Welsh Affairs Committee
HC 220
Published 12 July 2023
Recommendations
13
Deferred
Para 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 …
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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.
Wales Office
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15
Deferred
Para 106
Poor transport infrastructure significantly hinders Wales' ability to attract international tourists
Recommendation
We are concerned that poor transport infrastructure has a negative impact on Wales’ ability to attract a greater share of international tourists who arrive in the UK. Transport infrastructure has been underfunded by the UK and Welsh Governments for a …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of transport and is considering Lord Hendy's 2021 review on UK transport connectivity, promising a response soon. They also highlight existing investments, including over £343 million in Welsh rail schemes and £1 billion for the North Wales Main Line electrification.
Wales Office
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16
Deferred
Require UK and Welsh Governments to develop proposals for funding transport infrastructure improvements
Recommendation
We call on the UK Government and the Welsh Government to recognise the key importance of transport to the tourism industry. We urge the UK Government and the Welsh Government to bring forward proposals to address these issues, focussing on …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of transport and is considering Lord Hendy's 2021 review on UK transport connectivity, promising a response soon. It highlights existing investments in Welsh rail infrastructure, including over £343 million and a £1 billion project to electrify the North Wales Main Line.
Wales Office
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17
Deferred
Para 108
Prioritise positive consideration for a new direct rail link to Heathrow from the west
Recommendation
In particular, we urge that positive consideration be given to the proposed new direct rail link to Heathrow Airport from the west. This would hugely improve connectivity between Wales and Heathrow and make it much easier for international tourists to …
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Government Response Summary
The government states it is considering Lord Hendy's 2021 review on UK transport connectivity, which includes strengthening main transport arteries, and will publish its response soon. It does not specifically commit to or comment on the proposed direct rail link to Heathrow from the west.
Wales Office
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