Is there a better way to measure the growth of some key sectors than simply GDP? UKHospitality says that relying on such measures alone means that we miss the wider economic and social impact that a sector can have, and it has launched a Social Productivity Index which it says is a new way to measure growth. Host Carwyn Jones is joined by Allen Simpson of UKHospitality, Rebecca Rigby of Bluestone Wales and Gwenllian Roberts of Grwp Llandrillo Menai to discuss what the inaugural Index tells us about the contribution of hospitality to the economy and society and why this matters for hospitality leaders, employees and policymakers. 

Host Gemma Casey is joined by David Chapman, UKHospitality Cymru; Neil Kedward, Seren Collection and Routescape and Damien Martin, The Parkgate Hotel, to consider how changes to employer National Insurance Contributions, minimum wage increases and ongoing uncertainty around business rates are adding up to a challenging time for the tourism and hospitality sectors, and to discuss how the industry can capitalise on a trend for ‘events tourism’.  

With the tourism and hospitality sectors in Wales facing significant challenges, we consider the outlook for 2025. Host Carwyn Jones is joined by Rowland Rees-Evans, Chair of the Wales Tourism Alliance; Professor Claire Haven-Tang, Professor of Destination Development at Cardiff Metropolitan University; and Matt Barnby, Regional Operations Director of The Celtic Collection, to discuss how tourism and hospitality businesses can continue to provide a warm Welsh welcome to visitors, the support they need to overcome challenges and the opportunities to grow the sector.

The Christmas and New Year periods are a traditionally busy and profitable time for hospitality businesses. As 2024 comes to an end, the sector faces numerous challenges that may impact operations and revenue – so how are they coping? Host Carwyn Jones is joined by Ade Andrews, Cluster General Manager at the Celtic Collection, Nick Newman, Area Manager for Croeso Pubs Ltd, restaurateur Cerys Furlong, and David Chapman, Executive Director of UKHospitality Cymru. 

Host Carwyn Jones explores the impact of sustainable and eco-friendly practices in the tourism, hospitality, and leisure sectors with Fiona Stewart, Owner and Managing Director of Green Man Festival; Claire Copeman, Co-founder of Adventure Tours UK; Marten Lewis, Director of Sustainability at Bluestone Wales; and Simon Preddy, Senior Operations Manager at Keep Wales Tidy. 

With consumers increasingly interested in sustainable tourism and leisure, the guests consider why and how businesses can measure and improve their credentials, as well as the potential for Wales to put itself on the map as an eco-tourism destination. 

In our inaugural episode of Tourism Wales, Business News Wales editor Gemma Casey delves into various pressing issues affecting the tourism and hospitality sectors in Wales. Topics include poor weather, the economic impacts of the Ukraine war, rising energy and fuel costs, and significant policy and regulation challenges introduced by the Welsh Government. This episode features insightful discussions with Jim Jones, CEO of North Wales Tourism; Lisa Francis, Policy Advocate at Wales Tourism Alliance; Zoe Hawkins, Chief Executive of Mid Wales Tourism; and Frankie Hobro, Director at Anglesey Sea Zoo.

Each month we deep dive into a different theme, looking at the issues which matter in this key industry in the Welsh economy. With insights from industry leaders and businesses across Wales we aim to highlight the challenges and opportunities for all sectors within the tourism and hospitality industries.