THE annual Visit Pembrokeshire Tourism Summit on March 26, bringing together tourism professionals from across the industry, will include a keynote address from UKHospitality chair Kate Nicholls OBE.

Kate Nicholls is one of the UK's most respected voices on the visitor economy and a tireless advocate for the hospitality and tourism sectors, helping shape national policy and championing their vital role to local economies.

Kate initially worked as a researcher in the House of Commons and European Parliament on food, employment and environmental policy before joining Whitbread to work in Strategic Affairs. She has extensive experience as a political and strategic communications consultant and is a graduate of Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge and Kings College London.

Kate is a former CEO and current chair of the Tourism Alliance and co-chair of the London Tourism Recovery Board, representing the needs of the wider tourism sector in discussions with Government and the Mayor of London. In July 2021, she was appointed as the first Government Disability Ambassador for hospitality, promoting inclusivity. Kate was appointed co-Chair of the London & Partners’ Tourism Advisory Group in November 2022, who have a critical role in turning London’s 2030 Tourism Vision into reality.

The not-to-be-missed Tourism Summit is open to anyone who is involved in or has an interest in tourism in Pembrokeshire. This year's theme is ‘Shaping The Future Together and Sustainable Growth for Pembrokeshire’, hosted at Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, Begelly.

As well as the keynote address from Kate Nicholls, there will be an update from Visit Wales from director Jason Thomas.

Visit Pembrokeshire is also very excited to have John Davies, Chair of the Executive Committee at the 2026 Eisteddfod presenting. As a former leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, he has a strong understanding of the local area and its people as well as years of experience serving on national organisations and groups.

To set the theme, Emma Thornton, CEO of Visit Pembrokeshire will present on the organisation’s 10 Year Vision for the Pembrokeshire visitor economy.

Visit Pembrokeshire is the official Destination Management Organisation (DMO) for Pembrokeshire. It is a business led public private sector partnership providing tourism leadership and advocacy, destination marketing, campaign and project delivery, business support and research and intelligence. It also takes the lead on coordinating delivery of Pembrokeshire’s 2024-28 Destination Management plan, a shared plan to grow tourism sustainable for the benefit of all.

CEO Emma Thornton said: “The Visit Pembrokeshire 2026 Tourism Summit will be a day to unite our industry, strengthen our voice, and shape the future of tourism in our county. Attendees will have the opportunity to make new connections, share innovation and best practise and above all, champion our visitor economy.

“Be in the room. Be part of the conversation. Be part of the future,” she added.

The summit starts at 10am and runs until 3:30pm. Tickets are between £30 and £60. Secure your space online: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/visit-pembrokeshire-tourism-summit-tickets-1968241234516

To find out more about Visit Pembrokeshire, visit www.visitpembrokeshire.com