To celebrate Wales Tourism Week 2022, Nick Smith MP, Alun Davies MS and Councillor John Morgan have been out and about visiting tourism venues and attractions, whilst talking to the industry about the issues they face and what is being done to overcome these hurdles. Tourism in Blaenau Gwent has a growing economic and social importance, it is a large contributor to the local business economy and the visits reinforced the political support for tourism locally.
Nick Smith MP visited Parc Bryn Bach, Tredegar to learn about some of the many adventure activities, such as Stand-up Paddle-boarding, that are available both on and off the lake.
Steve Hughes, Onsite Duty Manager, delivers activities to groups and individuals, said:
“The park is popular all year round with activities but this skyrockets in the summertime. We could do with more staff to deliver adventure activities as there is such a demand for them and are looking to develop apprenticeships to fill the gaps”.
Nick Smith MP further commented:
“I think Parc Bryn Bach is the closest place to heaven on earth and I'm here most weekends for parkrun which is really popular and welcomes visitors from all over the UK each week. It is good to find Aneurin Leisure making strong efforts to secure trained staff at the park. The pupils of Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Helyg were having a wonderful time here and I am sure that soon many others will follow in their footsteps”.
Alun Davies MS visited Pentref Tyleri close to Cwmtillery Lakes. After a walk around the lake, he spoke with Ralph Connor and the staff about their project. Pentref Tyleri was set up less than a year ago with ten staff members covering catering, environmental work and administration. The team of Kick Start employees, working within their areas, established a thriving community asset which gained skills from marketing to food hygiene and even dry stone walling.
Alun Davies MS said:
“These newly acquired skills are being put to good use locally and are equipping young people with the expertise that the hospitality industry demands. Locally and ethically sourced ingredients such as Mad Dog coffee beans roasted in Ebbw Vale reduces food miles and tastes great too”.
Councillor John Morgan, Executive Member for Place and Regeneration, visited Manager Daniel Jones of the Tredegar Arms, he said:
“It is good to hear from Dan that there are no staffing issues here with all the core staff still in place since opening. This is a reflection on the working environment and the way this business treats their employees. The Tredegar Arms has an excellent reputation with happy staff and happy customers proving to be a recipe for success”.
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| Alun Davies MS visiting Cwmtillery Lakes, Abertilery. | Councillor John Morgan visiting the Tredegar Arms, Tredegar. | Nick Smith MP visiting the new caving facility at Parc Bryn Bach, Tredegar. | ||
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| Nick Smith MP pictured with a Tiki Paddle-board activity group at Parc Bryn Bach, Tredegar. | Alun Davies MS (right) finding out more about the Pentref Tyleri project near Cwmtillery Lakes from Ralph Connor (left). | Nick Smith MP (centre) with Steve Hughes (right) Onsite Duty Manager, Skye Adventure Activity Instructor at one of the many adventure activities in Parc Bryn Bach, Tredegar. |