Visit Pembrokeshire will host a highly anticipated political Q&A session at its upcoming Tourism Summit 2026, giving tourism businesses the opportunity to engage directly with candidates standing in the forthcoming Senedd elections this May.

As Wales' first and only hybrid Destination Management Organisation, Visit Pembrokeshire brings together both the public and private sectors to support and develop the region’s visitor economy.

This collaborative approach is reflected in the format of this year’s summit, which will combine leading industry speakers with a dedicated political panel discussion.

The Q&A session will provide a platform for tourism operators and industry professionals to raise key issues affecting the sector, while offering political candidates the opportunity to outline how their respective parties plan to support Pembrokeshire’s most significant economic driver.

Tourism businesses across the county continue to adapt to a changing policy landscape and wider economic pressures, including the 182-day rule for self-catering accommodation, rising operating costs, the proposed Visitor Levy, and increasing regulatory and licensing requirements.

For many operators these pressures sit alongside ongoing challenges such as recruitment, seasonality, energy costs and the need to maintain year-round viability for the many small and family run businesses that form the backbone of Pembrokeshire’s visitor economy and rural communities.

The session will explore how the sector can work collaboratively with policymakers to support a thriving visitor economy while delivering Visit Pembrokeshire’s shared ten-year vision of becoming a world leader in regenerative tourism.

Neil Kedward, Chair of Visit Pembrokeshire’s Board of Directors, said: “Tourism is Pembrokeshire’s largest economic driver and supports thousands of local jobs, businesses and communities.

“With the upcoming Senedd elections, this summit provides an important opportunity for the sector to engage directly with those who may help shape the policies that affect our long-term future.

“We want our political representatives to be successful, and that means ensuring they are properly informed, connected to the businesses on the ground, and able to hear firsthand the opportunities and challenges facing the industry. Creating space for open dialogue like this is an essential part of modern politics, particularly at a regional level where the impact of decisions is felt most directly.

“Our hope is that these conversations help build stronger understanding and partnership between tourism businesses and policymakers as we work together towards a thriving and regenerative visitor economy.”

Emma Thornton, Chief Executive of Visit Pembrokeshire, added: “The Tourism Summit is designed to bring together the people shaping the future of Pembrokeshire’s visitor economy. By inviting political candidates to hear directly from tourism businesses, we are creating an open platform for meaningful discussion about both the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

“Pembrokeshire has an incredibly strong tourism industry, and collaboration between business, government and communities will be essential in ensuring it continues to grow in a sustainable and responsible way to achieve our shared long-term vision for the visitor economy.”

The Visit Pembrokeshire Tourism Summit 2026 which takes place at Folly Farm Adventure Park and ZooBegelly, Wales on Thursday, March 26 from 10am to 3.30pm - will bring together tourism operators, policymakers and industry leaders from across Wales for a day of insight, discussion and networking focused on the future of the region’s visitor economy.

The Visit Pembrokeshire Tourism Summit 2026 is proudly supported by Barclays, whose sponsorship reflects a shared commitment to supporting local businesses and the continued growth of Pembrokeshire’s visitor economy.

Click the link below to secure your space: Visit Pembrokeshire Tourism Summit Tickets, Thu, Mar 26, 2026 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite

For more information, please see the Tourism Summit pages of the Visit Pembrokeshire at: Tourism Summit 2026 | Visit Pembrokeshire