Diolch, Llywydd, and I'm pleased to move the motion, tabled in the name of my colleague, Darren Millar.

As Wales's football team heads to Qatar later this year, and following the publication of the Welsh Government's major events strategy in July, it's wholly appropriate that we consider the economic significance of major events, both home and away.

In developing a refreshed major events strategy, the Welsh Government has had the time and opportunity to learn lessons from the previous strategy and set a new direction for how major events are handled to ensure that we receive the maximum economic benefit from these events. And whilst we know that the Welsh events sector makes a significant contribution to our economy, we perhaps sometimes forget the cultural and linguistic significance of these events in our communities. For example, events like the Hay Festival, the national and Urdd eisteddfodau, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and the Royal Welsh Show are all examples of events that are integral to our culture and to our language.

Therefore, we on this side of the Chamber believe that the Welsh Government should rethink its major events strategy and ensure that there is much more on the cultural significance of major events. We also believe the Welsh Government should have much more of a focus on aspiration, creativity and innovation in attracting major events to Wales, as stated in our motion.

Of course, underpinning the Welsh Government's current strategy is the need for alignment and integration within the events sector, particularly in relation to workforce and planning. We need to develop an innovative, collaborative workforce that is focused on shared objectives, and, in order to do that effectively, the Welsh Government must invest in the growth of skills, knowledge and capability within the industry. Therefore, perhaps, in responding to the debate, the Minister will take the opportunity to tell us a bit more about the level of investment being made in the sector and the steps being taken to develop it even further.

Now, I'm pleased to see that the Welsh Government strategy accepts the need to maximise the geographical and seasonal spread of events across Wales. It's vital that all parts of Wales have the opportunity to benefit from a major event in one part of the country, and we need to see much more infrastructure investment take place outside of the capital city in order for that to happen.