Recently the annual Visit Pembrokeshire AGM and networking event took place, hosted by Celtic Holiday Parks at their Meadow House site near Amroth.

Undeterred by the unseasonal weather, attendees from a range of tourism and hospitality businesses across Pembrokeshire took the opportunity to hear about how Visit Pembrokeshire has been supporting the industry over the past twelve months and about initiatives which can support them going forward.

Visit Pembrokeshire is business led and brings together the public, private and third sectors to work in partnership to grow tourism sustainably for the good of Pembrokeshire.

It is the formal Destination Management Organisation (DMO) for the county, and the only one of its type in the country.

As well as being the representative voice of tourism, locally, regionally, and nationally on key topics such as Welsh Government proposals for 182-day rule and the tourism levy, the organisation also offers members a range of benefits including marketing & PR support, free and discounted training and supplier discounts.

Attendees heard from Celtic Holiday Parks Managing Director; Huw Pendleton along with and Head of Marketing and Operations, Alison Belton about the history of Celtic Parks, charting its development to become a highly regarded multi award-winning Pembrokeshire business.

Their presentation also gave a unique insight into how Celtic Holiday Parks has overcome barriers to market caused by Brexit and the Covid pandemic which has enabled them to continue to invest to attract new markets.

Clare Sullivan and Ashley Jones from the Development Bank of Wales spoke to businesses about the funding currently available for tourism businesses through the Wales Tourism Investment Fund (WTIF) This brings together both commercial and grant funding into one combined package of financial support to provide capital investment for the tourism sector.

They also provided valuable information on the Green Business Loan Scheme, a £10m fund to help businesses to decarbonise – something which proved a popular discussion point with guests.

Emma Thornton, CEO of Visit Pembrokeshire said: “It’s been another hugely valuable opportunity to get businesses together before the start of the main season to network, catch up and discuss opportunities to develop and collaborate.

“We were delighted to share that the next Visit Pembrokeshire team ‘Out & About’ day will be held on Thursday, April 20 between 11 am and 3 pm at Ty Milford Waterfront.

“This is a drop-in event open to anyone who would like to discuss tourism issues or to find out more about what we do and how they can get involved”.

Visit Pembrokeshire is the official Destination Management Organisation ( DMO) for Pembrokeshire.

It is trade-led and provides tourism leadership and advocacy, destination marketing, campaign and project delivery, industry liaison and support, research and intelligence, plus event support.

Headed up by Chief Executive Emma Thornton and a board of 10 directors, the Visit Pembrokeshire team is based at Llanion Cove, Pembroke Dock.