Tourism operators from the north-east of Pembrokeshire met recently, as part of PLANED/Pembrokeshire Tourism Ltd's Business Development Programme. The meeting, which was held at the Gellifawr Hotel in the Gwaun Valley, introduced the operators to the idea of effectively reflecting what is unique and distinctive about the local environment, heritage and culture of Pembrokeshire in their businesses.
The opening presentation was by tourism consultant Arwel Jones, who has developed a Sense of Place, Toolkit on behalf of the Wales Tourist Board. Catrin Evans, of PLANED, then illustrated how local activities stimulated through PLANED's community engagement work provided a rich pool of resources into which tourism business could link - in order to help strengthen the distinct and authentic 'Sense of Place' that visitors experience when visiting Pembrokeshire.
Sarah Worby, PLANED's tourism development officer, said: "This is the first in a series of six seminars aimed at providing operators with practical advice on how they can implement the inspiration to be found in the Wales Tourist Board's kit.
"The seminars provide advice on a range of things, including where tourism operators and their visitors can find the best local products and produce; how they can incorporate the Welsh language into their business activities and where the most inspiring/distinctive places to recommend to visitors in Pembrokeshire are - in order to encourage them to come back time and again.
"Places are still available on the Locally Inspired Interiors, Arts and Crafts seminar, and the Pembrokeshire's Unique Natural and Physical Environment and Food and Drink sessions - which are all running towards the end of February/beginning of March and include visits to local producers/sites of interest.
"The seminars are open to anyone currently running or anyone thinking of starting a tourism business in Pembrokeshire and are part funded by the EU LEADER+ programme. Anyone wanting further details can contact me on (01834) 862114 or e-mail tourism@planed. org.uk."