6. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism: Priorities for the Visitor Economy 2020-2025

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:44 pm on 22 October 2019.

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Photo of David Rowlands David Rowlands UKIP 4:44, 22 October 2019

We must acknowledge that there have been some remarkable successes to celebrate in the promotion of tourism in Wales over the last five years. The themed approach was inspired and inspiring and, I think we would all agree, each, in its own way, gave a substantial boost to the tourist economy of Wales. The future plans and indeed those being implemented at this moment all have merit and should have the ability to build on past successes. You were right to point out, Deputy Minister, that Wales has a huge amount to offer—stunning countryside, a coastline of unparalleled beauty, as well as our history, both legendary and industrially. If we're talking about brands, in our flag we probably have one of the most iconic brands of flag on planet Earth. When Rhun mentioned the business of rugby, the sight of our flag at all the rugby internationals means that long after the cross of St George, the Scottish saltire or the Irish tricolour are forgotten, the Welsh flag will still be in the minds of all those people across the planet who've been watching the rugby matches. So, it's very important that we use that flag and put it on every piece of tourist propaganda or information that we put out there.

I truly believe the plans outlined in your statement have the potential to unlock the true depth of what Wales has to offer and also deal sensibly with the possibility of over-exploitation, perhaps signs of which are to be seen on our highest mountain, Snowdon, and its environs. But, Deputy Minister, a word of caution: there are moves afoot in Wales that could have a hugely detrimental impact on all these magnificent efforts. I refer here to both planned and existing speed restrictions on huge portions of our road infrastructure. We could soon be the first country in the whole of Europe, maybe the world, to have a 50 mph speed limit on our entire motorway network, albeit the small portion that we have. This, coupled with a 20 mph limit on huge portions of our urban network, will, I believe, have the effect of making Wales less attractive than other countries with less restrictive vehicle regimes. Would the Deputy Minister not agree with me that the last thing we wish to portray to the outside world is the slogan, and I say this quite seriously, 'Welcome to Wales/Croeso i Gymru, but leave your car at the border'?