Present: Nicola (Punch) Maughan (Director General), Elizabeth Jeffreys (Chair), Geoffrey Marshall, Catherine Maggs (Treasurer), Mark Soanes (Call of the Wild), Ran Foster-Mason (Hawk Associates), Nigel Forster (Creative Photography Wales), Susie Suter (Gliffaes Hotel), Mick Collins (Outdoors @ Hay), Mary Davies (Pyscodlyn), Sue Collins (Heads of the Valleys Tours), Carol Robinson (Buttercup Barn), Zoe & Elaine Williams (Usk & Railway Inn), Kath Yates (Brecon Mountain Railway), Liz Matthews (Aberhyddnant Farm), Nia Harris (Buckland Hall), Idris Jones (Pen-y-Dre Farm Holidays), Hilary Lipscombe (Old Rectory Barn), James Cresswell (GeoWorld Travel), Bill Richards (Tourism Research), Bill Cainan (Regimental Musuem), Sharon Birch (Glasbury OEC), Alison Kidd (Prospectory), Clare Wright (the Old School Annex), Rose VR (Damson Cottage), Liese Chesters (Bolyen House), Annie Lawrie (BBNPA), Viv (CRT), Geoffrey Marshall (The Cathedral), Les (The George)

Apologies: Jeff Calligan, Helen Lloyd, Carole Paish, Diana Blowfield, James Hitchings, Jon Roberts, Andrew Fryer, Fiona Walker, Sheila Jenkins, Amy Mackintosh, Eddie Hillier

Welcome
Elizabeth Jeffreys, BBT chairman introduced herself and welcomed everyone and thanked everyone for attending and contributing to a great turnout for the AGM. Thanks were also offered to the Brecon Tourist Information Office who had hosted businesses prior to the meeting – the session had been a great opportunity to strengthen links with the TIC

1.Chair’s Report

It has been a very successful year, in part due to the excellent leadership from Punch but also due to the small support team working for BBT. Ultimately the strength of BBT is because of the membership and the contributions of time and support of the members.

Elizabeth presented her Chair’s report – as part of the Annual Report (see separate document)

2.Director’s Overview

Punch thanked The George Hotel for hosting the meeting and the BBT board and especially Elizabeth who works tirelessly for the group.

Punch presented her Director’s report – as part of the Annual Report (see separate document)

3.Finance Report 2011 and Budget for 2012

Catherine Maggs presented the 2011 accounts – (please email BBT for a copy). The turnover in 2010 was taken from a cash accounting point of view ie –reflected when amounts were paid as opposed to when they were invoiced. New accounting procedures in 2011 means that the figures are inflated but actually are a re-alignment of monies. For instance £17000 of BBMCG monies is recorded in 2011 and some fo the spend is from 2010. This is a catch up situation and will not re-occur

Question: Nigel Forster asked – Can you explain the increase in net profits shown in the accounts?

Punch replied – As there has been a change in accountancy systems this is not the actual net profit brought forward. Actual net profit is £7,600 is Accounts accepted – Proposed: Alison Kidd
Seconded: Rose Vyvyan Robinson

4. Acceptance of Officers & Executive Committee
BBT’s memorandum of association stipulates that three of the BBT executive board members need to stand down every year. This year 3 directors; Anna Heywood, Andrew Fryer and Catherine Maggs have stood down in accordance with this policy. Andrew Fryer & Catherine Maggs prepared to stand again.

Brecon Beacons Tourism – Executive Committee 2012 – proposals:

Acceptance of current BBT Officers:
Chairman: Elizabeth Jeffreys
Director General: Punch Maughan (Glynmeddig & Stay @ No 10 – representing bunkhouses & self catering)

Acceptance of Current Executive Committee:
Brecon – Very Revd Geoffrey Marshall (Brecon Cathedral – also representing attractions)
Sennybridge, Llandovery & Llandeilo Fiona Walker (Llandovery Town Partnership – also representing retail)
Swansea Valley and Neath – Mark Soanes (Call of the Wild – also representing SWOAPG)
Heads of the Valleys – Eddie Hillier (Ty Newydd Hotel, Penderyn – representing Valleys Tourism)
Crickhowell – Susie Suter (Gliffaes Hotel, also representing CBMT)

Proposed: Sharon Birch (Glasbury House OEC)
Seconded: Liese Chesters (Boleyn House)

Nominations for New members of the Executive Committee
Hay Representative – Nominated: Mick Collins (Outdoors@Hay)
Proposed: Luke Skinner (Drover Holidays)
Seconded: Amy Mackintosh (Swan Hotel)

Abergavenny Representative
Hilary Lipscombe (Old Rectory Barn) has been nominated to stand for one more year by ADTG and she has accepted the role. Hilary was thanked for her time interviewing the destination website candidates

Other vacancies:
Sue Collins (Ty Gwyn B & B ) & kevin Walker (mountan Activities) nominated Andrew Fryer (Wern Watkin Bunkhouse, Llangattock) to stand again

Rhiannon Davies (Abercynafon Barn) & Clare Wright (The School Annex) nominated Catherine Maggs (Brynich Leisure, Brecon) to stand again

Keri & Julie Davies (Crai Eco Lodges) & Elaine Williams (Usk & Railway Inn) nominated Liz Matthew (Aberhyddnant Cottages)

All proposals supported by the room and accepted.

Anna Heywood was thanked for her contributions to the board since BBT’s inception

Alison Crawshaw who is leaving the area and ceasing work for BBT was also thanked of her dedication and loyalty to the group

5. AOB

http://www.thegreatexhibition2012.co.uk/greats/brecon-beacons-national-park-0

Vote now!!

6. Next Meeting
The next general BBT meeting is to be held on Tuesday May 29th 2012 – venue tbc

6. Meet the Suppliers Session

Visit Wales Access Audit – An Audit to find out the state of accessible tourism in Wales
The aim is to improve information for disabled people and also make sure businesses as accessible as possible. A survey will be coming out to businesses soon.
Contact – Colin Antwis (fieldsman@fieldsmantrails.com)

Myddfai – Developing environmental toiletries for accommodation businesses
Developed a re-fill system for toiletries, delivery service and product range
Contact – Mike Hill 01550 777155 (info@myddfai.com )

Black Mountains Smokery, True Taste of the Beacons Hamper & Food Trail
Black Mountains Smokery are based in Crickhowell and supply smoked goods to local people and guests staying in the area. With other True taste winners they have put together a new food hamper product to promote to guests with discounts for guest and businesses they come via/from. There is also a new food trail for visitors
Contact – Jo or Jonathan Carthew 01873 811566 (admin@smoked-foods.co.uk)

Heads of the Valleys Guide network – let us show your guests more!
Available for visitors to get the very best from their visit
Contact – Sue Collins 01873 811625 (enquiries@realvalleytours.org.uk)

Regional Service Centre – free business advice
Support available and plus general and specialist advice for businesses
Contact – Danny Gale 01874 622632 (dgale@anturbusiness.co.uk)

Langford’s Training – Training & consultancy company supporting hospitality industry
Consultancy and hospitality training including Food Safety training
Contact – Hilary Davies 01792 423368 (info@langfordstraining.com)

Creative Photography Wales
Half Day and Day courses in the Beacons plus packages developed with businesses for visitors. Also runs workshops on photographing interiors.
Contact – Nigel Forster 01874 676402 (nigel@creativephotographywales.com)

Geology Tours – Local Geology tours for visitors
Geo-trails and tours in the Brecon Beacons – eager to make links and packaging
Contact – James Cresswell (james.cresswell@gmail.com)

The Regimental Museum – an update
Changing the museum into more of a tourism attraction and doing a lot of Zulu activities and events throughout the year
Contact – Bill Cainan 01874 613310 (bill-cainan@btconnect.com)

Annie Lawrie, Visitor Transport Officer – 2012 updates
A new building, toilets & info boards at the Brecon Interchange.
A new bus service from Newtown to Cardiff (T4).
Beacons Bus will run from 3rd June to 30th September 2012 on Sundays
and Bank Holiday Mondays.
Smart Travel Training available in the Beacons soon.
Contact – Annie Lawrie 01874 620476 Annie.Lawrie@breconbeacons.org

Chairman’s Forward – A Step in the Right Direction
The past year has been one of significant progress for BBT – during which Punch Maughan through her leadership and drive, together with her support team of contractors, have made some remarkable achievements building on previous successes. I commend this new format Annual Report for your attention, as I believe it to be a comprehensive yet succinct summary of BBT’s activities over the last year.

The Director’s report mentions a number of the highlights of the year, but I would like particularly to mention the development of Brecon Beacons Tourism’s (BBT’s) Strategic Plan 2012 – 16 with the supporting Key Priorities for 2012 and the fact that the membership target for 2011 was exceeded.

In my report last year I referred to our previous concern at the lack of marketing of the Brecon Beacons and the achievement of that ambition. In 2010 Visit Wales confirmed the Brecon Beacon’s new ‘destination’ status and funding support to deliver the Brecon Beacons Tourism Marketing Strategy.

This enabled Brecon Beacons Tourism to receive for the first time, core-funding to support its co-ordination work with the tourism trade, the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Powys County Council, the eight other local authorities in the area and the three Regional Tourism Partnerships that cover the area led by Tourism Partnership Mid-Wales (TPMW).

The Brecon Beacons Marketing Group (BBMCG) also received confirmation of funding to implement the key recommendations of the Tourism Marketing Strategy. In 2011 we were able to implement the first full year’s funding to deliver the Marketing Action Plan. Under a contract with the Group, BBT managed the implementation of the Press, PR & Social Media Action Plan by Alexandra Marr Associates. BBT also manages the Visitor Survey Research with Lynn Jones Research for the Group. The implementation of the 2011 BBMCG’s Marketing Action Plan will be covered further in the Director’s report with 2011’s key achievements outlined later in this Report.

I believe that the challenges of increasing, coordinating and integrating resources to be significant during the coming year. I would like to thank all my BBT Directors for their invaluable support and advice throughout the year and in particular Catherine Maggs our Treasurer for so ably looking after our finances. As the Board we look forward with confidence to the coming year, which I’m sure will see a further strengthening of our relationships with our partners on the BBMCG, our core funders and importantly our members and other partners / clusters and of the Brecon Beacons status as a quality and sustainable destination for visitors.

BBT Strategic Plan 2011/12 – Top-line Summary
Vision
We will actively work together with our members and partners to ensure a focus on developing successful and sustainable tourism in the Brecon Beacons.

Mission
• To harness and focus the energy for tourism in the Brecon Beacons to encourage delivery of a high quality visitor experience
• To be the ‘voice for tourism’ in the Brecon Beacons
• To facilitate effective marketing and management of tourism in the Brecon Beacons
• To influence the long-term marketing and development of the Brecon Beacons as a Destination.
• To support and assist the development of tourism businesses.
• To represent our members and liaise with a range of organisations to encourage positive change, development and provide coordination
• To support and consult our members on an ongoing basis

Values
As BBT members we:
• Work harder – together to provide a distinctive experience for our visitors
• Care more – for our visitors and the landscape that attracts them
• Aim further – in our aspirations for a sustainable destination
• Share more – of our knowledge and expertise for the benefit of all

Our Purpose
1. To market and promote the Brecon Beacons as having a clear and distinct image, which will distinguish it from other places and embrace its special characteristics, developing areas for self-generation of income and securing resources to do so

2. To develop and promote the Brecon Beacons as an all year round quality destination for all types of visitors, working in partnership with the Brecon Beacons Marketing Coordination Group

3. To ensure effective communication and dissemination of information to the membership, to all businesses with an interest in tourism ensuring that there is a distinction between member information & general information

4. To provide opportunities for business networking, forums and professional development for businesses

5. To create a reputation for “quality” and “value for money”, by promoting and sharing “best practice” to improve accommodation, attractions, retail, catering, restaurants, pubs, events and activities

6. To advocate the Tourism Industry, to Government, Public Authority, Media and the Industry, to represent and safeguard the interests of tourism businesses and users within the area

7. To foster a spirit of unity, friendship and inclusion for the benefit of visitors, local businesses and the community

8. To promote the area in such a way that the environmental welfare is not compromised in any way, and that developments are in harmony with the physical and social environment of the area

9. To proactively seek mutually beneficial partnerships to optimise scarce resources

Key Priorities 2012:
1. Clarify BBT’s role ‘ Who we are, what we do & how we do it’
2. Develop a tourism road map for partners and businesses
3. Develop an effective communications strategy and roll it out
4. Use BBT’s position on the BBMCG to ensure that the priorities from the action plan for the destination status are being actioned
5. Use BBT’s position on the STP to ensure that whole destination needs are being addressed
6. Engage with all local clusters to clarify where they see their fit with BBT and how BBT can help them
7. Funding
• Review of member fees for 2012 in light of destination status implications
• External funding options that support BBT’s core work researched and applied for
8. BBT’s organisational capacity and capability reviewed with funding implications taken into consideration

Director’s Report – Preparation for Change
• The BBT board undertook a strategic review to help focus the organisation’s policies and actions and now have a 2 Year Strategic Plan
• BBNPA Memorandum of Understanding with BBT confirming our role as the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority’s key representative body for the private tourism sector in the area
• Review of Sustainable Tourism Strategy & member of Steering Group
• Consultees on the Mid Wales Regional Tourism Strategy & Monmouthshire Tourism Futures

BBT has invested in strategic planning this year and with the new Strategic Plan in place, we look forward to the challenges and opportunities of the next twelve months. The whole team from our Board, support staff and members are committed to BBT’s objectives and values. I would like to thank them for their dedication as well as the Board for their guidance and support, in particular Elizabeth Jeffreys our Chair, for her unfailing commitment.

Last December BBT were awarded funding from Tourism Society Wales to ‘support effective collaborative working by the tourism business sector in the area by developing a ‘Destination Partnership’. It will also assist in the development of the role of its Director’

In our submission for the award we stated:

‘BBT is the trade partner on the Brecon Beacons Sustainable Tourism Partnership which is in the process of developing a new model / framework for working together to enable the key partners to integrate and align their activity more effectively and thereby strengthen sustainable marketing and management in the Brecon Beacons’.

Despite the uncertainties which surround such an unpredictable industry and the constraints with which we have been faced, BBT is confident that the Brecon Beacons can reap huge benefits from the tourism potential of area, in partnership with the many and varied organisations who stand to benefit.

BBT Key Achievements / Results / Performance
• May 2011 – 220 members, March 2012 – 232 members, 69 emails issued as newsletter & briefings issued, including the promotion of courses and events hosted by Medrwn, Capital Region Tourism & BBNPA training sessions promoted
• BBT hosted 5 business meetings in Talybont, Brecon, Abergavenny, Myddfai & Talgarth
• BBT manages the PR contract as well as that of the coordinator for SWOAPG.
• BBT represents the BBNP on the Wales Activity Tourism Organisation (WATO) & the Wales Tourism Alliance (WTA) and attends the SE Wales Tourism Forum as well as sitting on the Sustainable Tourism Partnership and the Geopark Management Group in area

www.breconbeaconstourism.co.uk:
97,378 visits March 2009 – March 2010 of which 14,478 repeat visits
130,856 visits March 2010 – March 2011 of which 18,963 repeat visits
143,997 visits March 2011 – March 2012 of which 19,260 repeat visits

Awards & Grants
BBT was awarded a tourism award from the Tourism Society, Wales at the end of 2011 ‘to undertake further development & consider their role in a destination partnership working with colleagues locally and at a regional level.
BBT also won grants of £7,000 from Sustainable Tourism Powys (£5K) and Capitol Regional Tourism (£2K) to undertake the Brecon Beacons Foodie Breaks Project in partnership with Abergavenny & District Tourism Association

Brecon Beacons Marketing Coordination Group (BBMCG) Achievements / Results / Performance
The BBMCG consists of BBT, personnel from the BBNPA & Powys tourism & IT teams as well as officers from Monmouthshire & Carmarthenshire CC with personnel joining the group from Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages, Hay Festival, Abergavenny Food festival & The National Trust
Four main planning meetings were held in 2011 which led to the following key actions:
• June – Branding session with The Tourism Company
• September – New Mind were invited to present to Brecon Beacons Tourism & BBNPA personnel to better understand how their DMS / CMS works for destinations with multiple partners (nb New Vision Group was also met with in January 2012 for the same reason)
• November – Following the development of a brief and tender process Peter Gill & Associates appointed to work on the initial phase of the Brecon Beacons branding process.
• November – tender document for the website development published.
• January 2012 – interviews for the website project resulted in Rippleffect being appointed to develop the destination website with One Bright Space the current web company retained by the BBNPA delivering the mapping elements of the site.

Press & PR
Alexandra Marr & Associates have had a good level of success. The role is in the process of being reviewed for re-tendering in the summer.

1.Press & PR coverage – summary
May 2011
The Independent online – the Brecon Beacons in Top 10 active family breaks
June 2011
Telegraph online – the BB in Top 10 activities for fathers Day
July 2011
The Daily Mail online –Offas Dyke walking in the BB & where to see a Meteor Shower
Last edition of The News of The World – stargazing
The Times – summer activities
August 2011
2 page article in Good Motoring (result of a press trip)
Times Travel Supplement
The Telegraph – Brecon jazz with link to blog
Bath Chronicle, Exeter Express & Echo, Western Morning News & Bristol Post – ‘Eat-Way-Wales’ feature as a result of a press trip
September 2011
The Guardian & Red magazine – coverage for the Hay Walking festival
October 2011
The Independent – Hay walking festival
The Mirror – Monmouthshire Walking Festival
The Times – full page feature on great converted barns to stay in
The Guardian – Christmas and New Year self-catering
November 2011
AOL Travel, ten best winter retreats
Birmingham Post (as a result of press trip)
goodtoknow.co.uk, last-minute Christmas getaways
Mydaily.co.uk, cottages for Christmas
The Guardian, New Year self-catering in pictures
The Telegraph, Hay Winter Festival
December 2011
Two features on the Brecon Beacons in the De Telegraaf and website as a result of press trip. Included a double page spread in the Travel section
Times, Felinfach Griffin, cosy pubs
(Full monthly reports detail weekly offers submitted, media requests responded to & other coverage)

2. Press Trip Research, Profile Raising & Visits Hosted

June 2011
Alexandra Marr visited The Netherlands and met with six different newspapers / magazines for future coverage
September 2011
Attended National Bike Show at the NEC
October 2011
Hosted De Telegraph journalist (largest Dutch newspaper
Frommers Guide Book 4-day itinerary for trip to Brecon Beacons
Hosted Singletrack Magazine journalist
November 2011
Hosted Trout magazine journalist

3. Social Media maintained by the Alexandra Marr Associates.
The end of January report states:
• www.facebook.com/thebreconbeacons has 1,588 fans with 56 new ‘likes’ (subscribers) this month, post views were 67,883 (up 34%), post feedback was 270
• Twitter – Brecon_News – Regular Tweets supporting local businesses and Tweeting PR requests. Followers – 1002 Followers, up 72 from last month
• http://breconbeacons.wordpress.com The Brecon Beacons blog received 1,980 visits in January, with 52 Comments and 45 Followers who receive the blog via email

Brecon Beacons New Website
Rippleffect was appointed in January 2012 to deliver the destination website by mid June 2012.

Visitor Survey – Some Key Indicators (figures in brackets are results from same survey sent out through Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages)> if you would like a full copy of the report please email the BBT office.

How many times visited in past to years:

First time 43% (49%)
1 18% (19%)
2 13% (16%)
3 6% (07%)

Aware that Brecon Beacons was a National Park:

Yes 89% (96%)

Influences to visit:
Scenary / landscape 89% (92%)
Piece & quiet 59% (72%)
The fact it’s a National Park 39% (35%)
Quick & easy to get to 39% (36%)
Plenty things to do 32% (37%)

Information resources used before visit:
Website 66% (74%)
Guide books 24% (22%)
Tourist Information Centres 19% (17%)
Visit Wales brochure 15% (15%)

Websites used:
Brecon Beacons National Park 38% (46%)
Visit Wales 23% (32%)
Brecon Beacons Tourism 20% (30%)
Wye Valley 14% (07%)
Trip Advisor 11% (10%)

General activities undertaken:
Visited towns & villages 46% (59%)
Hill walking 46% (45%)
Walking low level 44% (57%)
Visited attractions 38% (39%
Shopping 24% (37%)
Visited local food producers 17% (29%)

Information sources used in destination:
Tourist Information Centres 39% (38%)
Free local guide what to see & do 36% (42%)
Information available in accommodation 32% (48%)
Specific attraction leaflets 27% (33%)
Website 18% (16%)

Customer service (CS) & overall quality (Q)

(1= very poor, 10 = Very good)
Accommodation 8.79 (9.04) 8.72 (8.78)
Visitor attractions 8.59 (8.46) 8.54 (8.27)
Restaurants / cafes 8.17 (8.26) 8.02 (8.16)
Pubs 7.93 (8.27) 7.73 (8.27)
Tourist Information Centres 8.48 (8.51) 8.37 (8.57)
Shops 7.98 (8.22) 7.85 (8.08)
Safe place to visit 8.92 (8.69)
Value for money 8.09 (8.18)
Friendly & welcoming 8.45 (8.73)
Cleanliness 8.58 (8.32)
Overall enjoyment of visit 8.74 (8.98)
Recommend to others 8.97 (9.13)

Attendance: Nicola (Punch) Maughan (Director General), Elizabeth Jeffreys (Chair), Alison Kidd & Peter Williams (The Prospectory), Martin Fleming (Buckland Hall), Brian Post (Ty Tal B&B), Carl Durham (Black Mountain Activities), Gwen & Idris Jones (Penydre Farm Holidays), Katy Smith (Smithy’s Bunkhouse), Caroline Danby (Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages), Anna Heywood (Drover Holidays), Amy Mackintosh (Swan at Hay), Sharon Birch (Glasbury OEC), Catherine Maggs (Brynich), Geoffrey Marshall (Brecon Cathedral), Seamus Keays (The Allt B&B), Richard Lewis (Middle Ninfa), Julie Dawson (Westview Guesthouse), Mick Collins (Outdoors@Hay), Liz Matthews (Aberhyddnant Farm Cottages), Francis Lawson (YHA Llwyn-y-Celyn), Laura Miles (Felin Fach Griffin), Sue Collins (Ty Gwyn B&B), Gary Evans (Hawk Associates/SWOAPG), Elaine & Zoe Williams (Usk & Railway Inn), Ceri Scott Howch (Coity Bach Farm Cottages), Frank Marr (AMA), Sheila Jenkins (Cantref Coach House), Leanne Jenkins & Rachel Morgan (Welsh Venison Centre), Patrick & Rose Vyvyan-Robinson (Alltybain Farm Cottages), Clare Wright (School Annex), Jeff Calligan (Mountain & River Activities), Deborah Haylock (The Angel Hotel), Davina Hogg (Penpont), Janet & Olivia Williams (Pilgrims), Bill Richards (Tourism Research & Marketing), David Hedley Williams (Grange Guesthouse), Mary Davies (Pyscodlyn Caravan), Diana Blowfield (Courtyard Cottage), Ivan Langford & Hilary Davies (Langford Training), James Hitchings (YHA Wales)

Apologies: Jillie Gardner, Huw Dulea, Mark Callaway, Ty Llew, Sue Shaw, Kevin Walker, Cathey Morgan, Tony @ The Bell, Phil Park, Nicola Newhams, Zena Davies, Pat James, Dawn Farnworth, Pam Bell.

Agenda Points

Elizabeth welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked Martin and his team at Buckland Hall for hosting the meeting. There have been many success stories recently; BBT has been awarded £5,000 from The Tourism Society to support their development and work with in – area partners on what is required for an effective Destination Partnership. BBT member Penderyn Distillery has received 2 Gold awards for their whisky at the prestigious World Whiskey Masters 2011 and a Gold award for their gin in the Worldwide Gin category at the 2011 International Wine and Spirit Competition – the spirit industry’s “Oscars”.

BBT update:

Forthcoming events:

Good Business Sense Seminars:
…..Sustainable tourism equals good business management –

Thurs 16th Feb – Running a ‘Good’ Hospitality Business
For Hotels, B&Bs and Guesthouses
10am – 3pm, Llansantffraed Court Hotel, Abergavenny

Tues 21st Feb Running a ‘Good’ Attraction Business
10am – 3pm, Brecon Beacons National Park Visitor Centre (The Mountain Centre), Libanus

Tues 28th Feb Running a ‘Good’ Self-Catering Business
10am – 3pm, The Barn at Brynich, Brecon

Further dates to note for your diary include:
Tuesday 6th March Renewable Energy: A Gentle Introduction
Venue TBC

Tue 20th March Renewable Energy Master Class
Venue TBC

Book via Nicola.Senior@breconbeacons.org

Visit Wales Roadshow – Innovating Tourism Together:

6th February, The Elephant & Castle Hotel, Newtown
9th February, Ty Newydd Hotel, Penderyn

Speakers include LJ Rich from the BBC Click Team and an afternoon of optional workshops including Clare Birt of Vibe PR with practical Marketing tips, David Edwards with a Cheese Tasting Masterclass and a visit to Penderyn Whiskey to find out about VAQAS (Grading for attractions).

Newtown event – Book with Rhian Watt of Tourism Partnership Mid Wales
rhian.watt@tpmw.co.uk
Penderyn event – Book with Alice Brown of Capitol Regional Tourism via www.capitalregiontourism.org/skills

Support available for tourism:

• TISS (+ Building for 2012)
Visit Wales 0845 010 8020 ….tiss@wales.gsi.gov.uk
http://wales.gov.uk/topics/tourism/investsupport

• Sustainable Powys
tourism.trade@powys.gov.uk 01874 612281
Advisory day – 20thFebruary, 9.30 -1pm – Usk & Railway Inn, Sennybridge
21st February, 9.30 – 1pm – Media Resource centre, Llandrindod Wells

• Business Support:
www.business.wales.gov.uk/newsletter

• Punch requested accommodation businesses to submit their monthly occupancy to Visit Wales as these figures are then disseminated to destinations. The figures help partners to better understand how the area is performing – to register to receive the monthly emailed forms – email occsurvey@tns-global.com.

• The leaflet distribution service is beginning again for 2012 on the 8th of Feb and the drop off points are listed on the BBT website www.getactive-beacons.co.uk/news.

• Tourism Week is starting 27th February & BBT are planning to host Kirsty Williams AM & William Powell AM on Friday March 2nd at Penderyn Distillery for a tour and Q & A session.

Destination Marketing Website
Paul Funnell, IT Manager at the BBNPA and project sponsor for the new destination website on behalf of the Brecon Beacons Marketing Coordination Group (BBMCG) updated the meeting on the progress re the destination website. A company called Rippleffect have been appointed and will work with the BBMCG and One Bright Space who will provide the mapping elements of the site to produce a visitor facing website for the NP bringing together the re-purposed visitor information from the BBNPA site and the business information. The collaborative nature of the partnership of the group has enabled more money and skills to be brought to the project.

The website will include tourism businesses details, area information Ripple Effect have lots of creative ideas and are eager to work on the project and the website will be accessible for mobile phone and tablet use. It is planned that businesses will have direct control of their information on the website.

Roger Hunter has been employed as Project Manager for the next 6 months to take the project to launch date (1st June) and to iron out the detail following the launch. As part of the development stage he is hoping to speak to a small number of visitors to gauge the kind of information they want when they research holidays and trips to the area and asked businesses if they could offer contact details of visitors who would be prepared to talk him – Roger will issue an introductory email for businesses to send to visitors.

There will be weekly updates available via e-mail and the website is expected to go live on the 1st of the June

Roger Hunter can be contacted on Roger.Hunter@breconbeacons.org

BBT PR
Frank Marr reported the PR/media activity in 2011 and the plans for 2012. In 2011 Alexandra Marr and Associates (AMA) attended a number of national events including the National Cycle Show, World Travel Market and Welsh Tourism Conference. Over 13 press trips have been organised and press releases and relationships have been created with the national and regional newspapers and publications as well as with businesses who are prepared to host journalists.

More press trips are planned for 2012 including with the Independent, Lonely Plant guides and the Disability Magazine, plus they are in talks with a number of other magazines and journals. Early 2012 activity will focus on the Crickhowell Walking Festival and the Canal Anniversary.

Late deals are a good way to get into media, so anyone with last minute availability or special deals should send details to AMA. Any story ideas, images, promotions, blog content or press releases should also be sent to the Marrs.

breconnews@gmail.com

Cycling & Mountain Biking Strategy

Anna Heywood reported on the recent consultancy work she had undertaken on the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority (BBNPA)

The project was entitled – ‘MTB/Cycling Champion’ the purpose of which was to support the development of the cycling offer in the Brecon Beacons in collaboration with local business clusters already developed under COLLABOR8 and to be done by helping clusters deliver the actions identified in the Cycling & Mountain Bike Strategy May 2009.

During 2011the work included informing businesses and individuals in the hub areas about the mountain biking product and to look at new ways for businesses to update content on the Brecon Beacons Mountain bike website. Feedback from the hub businesses has also been collected. The existing 14 mountain bike routes have been mapped online so businesses can pass on the route information to visitors in both a paper and online format.

The routes have been adopted by local people so that they are ridden on a regular basis and the condition of the route and any access or way marking issues can be identified and dealt with.

The need for pre-planned road routes have been identified and the BBNPA is developing GPS downloadable information on these.

Abergavenny has also been suggested as a hub, although a recent meeting to develop this was not well attended.

A FB page has been created

www.facebook.com/pages/MTB-Brecon-Beacons/241848795878542
Anyone who has a Facebook account can add photos and write on the wall.

A public feedback form about the hubs has been created and is accessible via :- http://tinyurl.com/6sq9thp

B-Bug project Update

Alison Kidd updated the meeting on the B-Bug trial which explored a green alternative to the car and tested whether visitors would use them.

There have been difficulties with insuring the B-Bugs for on-going use but Zurich Municipal has now provided a group insurance for the B-Bugs allowing them to continue to be used. A B-Bug Cooperative (BBC) has been set up to cover the costs in the insurance. Ideally five businesses are sought who will act as renters of the bugs to visits in the 2012. Anyone interested in the project please contact Alison direct alison@prospectory.co.uk.

Social Networks in the Brecon Beacons

Frank Marr reported that Google Hotel Finder has just been launched which aims to offer a similar service to Trip Advisor. It works in tandem with Google Places and any accommodation business registered with Google Places will be able to be shown in the finder. Essentially a search system Hotel Finder adds in reviews, accommodation summary, maps, costs and accommodation details. Hotel Finder will be expanded into activity providers and things to do soon.

The Brecon Beacons has a Facebook page www.facebook.com/thebreconbeacons and businesses should comment and post on here as much as possible.

For those who Twitter #BBTourism or #BreconBeacons are used.

There is also a Brecon Beacons blog http://breconbeacons.wordpress.com – if you would like to contribute to this please get in touch via breconnews@gmail.com

BBT is hoping to source funding for some one:one / drop in sessions for businesses and will email a list of proposed subjects for businesses to prioritise. There might need to be a small charge levied – TBC

Next Meeting
BBT 2012 meeting dates:
- Wednesday, 28th March 2012 – AGM – to include a trip to Brecon TIC

Tourism In Action Conference:
- Tuesday, 13th March 2012 – Theatr Brycheiniog

Every month BBT travels the area delivering local leaflets to local outlets. If you would like to have your leaflets delivered please contact the office via info@breconbeaconstourism.co.uk

The places that we call at can be seen here: Proposed leaflet drops 2012.

Please note however that we are not guaranteeing that your leaflets will be left here every month but will be left on the agreement of the owner of the site and in amounts that they ask for.

All the hard work by Alexandra & Frank Marr is beginning to pay off – not least because of the growing willingness of businesses to help on recent press trips. Giving journalists a good and varied experience means they are far more likely to do a good write up – the individual business gain hugely and the whole area also reaps the benefits of the overall profile – thanks to all that have helped

The recent trip hosting Dutch journalists has resulted in a November article in Reiskrant

Online there are two articles:

Reiskrant 1

Reiskrant 2

Western Morning News December 2011 coverage

Western Daily press – December 2011 coverage

Hay-on-Wye – Birmingham Post November 2011

Mid year report from the online visitor survey available here with the free text comments from the same report here

Attendees: Nicola (Punch) Maughan (Director General), Andrew Fryer (Deputy Chair), Carol Williams (BBNPA), Alison Kidd & Peter Williams (The Prospectory), Nia Harries (Buckland Hall), Susie Gaskell (Priory Mill Farm), Michael Cunningham (Erwood Station Craft Centre), Brian Post (Ty Tal B&B), Linda Groves (Old Radnor Barn B&B), June Scarbourgh (Carno Farm), Carl & Annette Durham (Black Mountain Activities), Jeff Calligan (Mountain & River Activities), Mark Soanes (Call of the Wild), Gwen & Idris Jones (Penydre Farm Holidays), Katy Smith (Smithy’s Bunkhouse), J & Marianne Cahill (Lletty Cottage), Caroline Danby (Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages), Anna Heywood (Drover Holidays), Fiona Walker (Llandovery Chamber of Commerce), John Lilly (Dragon Electrical Vehicles), Steve Sharp (Merryfields Barn), Amy Mackintosh & Paul Caldicott (Swan at Hay), Rhian & Ryan Thomas (Llangorse Rope Centre), Susie & James Suter (Gliffaes), Tom Hadfield (Visit Wales), Sharon Birch & Jon Everington (Glasbury OEC), Catherine Maggs (Brynich), Patrick Vyvyan Robinson

Apologies: James Hitchings (YHA), Nicky (The Hours), Gary Evans (SWOAPG / Hawk Associates), Ty Morwydd, Brecon Mountain Railway, Williams Welsh Walks, Elizabeth Jefferys (Chair), Richard Tyler (BBNPA)

Welcome & Talgarth Mill – the project:
Andrew Fryer welcomed everyone to Talgarth Mill and Alison Meachum introduced the Mill project. Since the Talgarth Mill was featured on the Village SOS TV programme 13,000 people have visited the Cafe and Mill. The aim of the business is to provide local jobs for the community and help the regeneration of the town. The mill employs both part time and full time people. The cafe operates as a franchise operation. As well as operating as a tourist attraction there are school groups who now visit for educational tours and these are proving very popular. There has been a positive knock on effect for the rest of the town. There are a number of volunteers involved whom include college students to retired people. All of the gifts sold in the shop are made by local people and there is also cooperation with the other local Village SOS winner Myddfai whose products are also sold in the shop.

Carol Williams, Tourism Growth Officer from the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority reported on some of the other tourism work that has been happening in Talgarth. ‘Destination Talgarth’ has been supported by Collabor8 funds and has the remit is to improve the tourism offering in the town. Their work has included improving the Talgarth website and creating walks in and around the town as well as producing a town map listing what else people can do locally. A food leaflet has been produced and more has been more made of the local mountain bike routes – Talgarth has the only ‘Black Killer Route’ in the Park. Also a Talgarth calendar was created, which has sold very well. The new Rural Alliances fund will hopefully continue to work with Destination Talgarth once the Collabor8 funds end.

BBT update:
• The Brecon Beacons Marketing Coordination group has appointed Peter Gill & Associates (a Cardiff company) to complete the branding consultation for the area.

• The brief for the destination website is live on Sell2Wales with interviews planned for the first week of January 2012. The finished site is anticipated in June 2012. This new website will bring together the BBNPA visitor content with the business website. Decisions are still to be made about:
– User reviews
– Online booking
– Social media platforms
– Business profile categories

• Press & PR breconnews@gmail.com
Alexandra & Frank Marr require ideas and images for a Brecon Beacons advent calendar. Hoping to produce a short blog post every day before Christmas. Most inventive ideas and best images will be featured. Christmas and wintry ideas……
They also require late availability and offers over the Christmas / New year period and any events – offers get mailed out every Monday.
October Press & PR Report :
Dutch journalists hosted for 4 days – 9 businesses helped
Fromers guide – 4 day itinerary planned
MTB journalists hosted for 2 days
Coverage:
3rd October – The Independent travel section – Hay-on-Wye Walking Festival
5th October – The Times – Special Offer
15th October – full page feature in the Times on great converted barns to stay
21st October – The Mirror – Monmouthshire Walking Festival
In addition the Marrs fielded 32 press requests: The types of requests being fielded are ‘Biking in the Brecon Beacons’, ‘Bushcraft’, family holidays, cycling trips, foraging trips, Green accommodation in the BBNP, most obscure tourist sites, Book towns, luxury accommodation with unique interiors, best country escapes, Halloween events, best Christmas accommodation, yoga weekends, affordable ideas and accommodation for half term, pet friendly accommodation with good images, remote hideaways, retreats….

• The BBT Facebook page www.facebook.com/thebreconbeacons is a place for local businesses to join in the ‘conversations’ and post images and ideas – it is also where the weekly offers are posted

• http://breconbeacons.wordpress.com There are plans to improve the blog in terms of SEO work and content.

BBT Member Benefits:
• BBT leaflet distribution is proving useful to BBT members and is being reviewed for 2012 when a new price list and routes will be issued.

• Pavey, a well respected insurance company is still offering discounted rates to BBT members (details will be sent out with renewal notices)

Grants & support
Details of all tourism support is hosted on www.getactive-beacons.co.uk/news

Tourism Investment Support Scheme (TISS) Visit Wales 0845 010 8020 ….tiss@wales.gsi.gov.uk
http://wales.gov.uk/topics/tourism/investsupport

Sustainable Powys – grants available
tourism.trade@powys.gov.uk 01874 612281

Business Support:
www.business.wales.gov.uk/newsletter

BBT Member Fees 2012
The proposed member fees had been mailed to all BBT members before the meeting with the request for any objections to be raised by November 25th. None had been received nor were there any objections from the floor. These fees will therefore form the basis of the 2012 renewals.

The rise was to help support the added opportunities that businesses are now getting to profile themselves on the blog and facebook pages as well as the chance to send offers and stories out via Alexandra Marr. The new destination website will also significantly enhance the profile that businesses will have by the end of the year.

Hay Walking Festival – follow up report

Anna Heywood reported back on the first Hay Walking Festival which happened in early October this year. The idea for the festival came from feedback received from the 2009 town questionnaire which showed that the most people were coming to Hay and walking but that normally the town was only known as the town of books.

The Festival was at a time of year when normally business was slack. There were 23 walks plus talk and events. The themed walks were the most popular. The publicity worked very well and the event also used existing Hay events. 280 walk tickets were sold, out of a possible 315 showing very good take up levels. There was very good feedback from participants, 60% of the participants were from the Hay area – the remainder from further afield. 2012 will see it extended to a 5 day festival and will be held on the 11th to 15th October 2012.

B-Bug project – summary report

Peter Williams reported on the B-Bug trial which ran over the Summer and explored the issue of travel in the Beacons. From a Beacons wide transport study conducted in 2010 it was shown that people staying in the Beacons often travel quite long distances while on holiday. When they won the Green Dragon’s Den at Hay Festival in 2010 two B-Bugs was developed.

The B-Bug aims to explore a green alternative to the car and to see if visitors would use them. An electrical charging network was created around the Beacons and the B-Bug made people think about their journeys and how to keep their trips local and using local businesses.

While not a car replacement it does work well as a short car journey replacement. It offers a fun alternative and actually had an impact of behaviour and travel patterns.

It is hoped that the B-Bugs might become a regular sight in the Beacons in the future – difficulties with regard to insurance & hiring the vehicles is being researched. See the presentation – here

Technology and the Tourist

Tom Hadfield, Regional Digital Strategist from Visit Wales introduced the Digital Tourism Business Framework Partnership (DTBFP), which is reviewing the use of technology in Wales and educating people on how to improve the offering here. It is also a grant programme for businesses in convergence areas.

Visitors to Wales have a high expectation of what they can do when they arrive via smart phones, notepads and websites going forward need to anticipate this. There are new technologies like QR codes which could be incorporated quite easily into the tourism industry. Concerns were raised that in a rural area where there is intermittent broadband and mobile connectivity not only were our visitors not accessing what they need but that businesses are unaware of the opportunities they could be offering online. Any queries re innovation and support can be directed to Tom. The Powys RDPfunds will help Powys businesses with an IT review and Medwrn can be encouraged to match some of the courses being offered under the scheme in other areas.

Tom’s presentation can be viewed here

tom.hadfield@wales.gsi.gov.uk 07896 917 077

http://wales.gov.uk/topics/yourism/digital/?lang+en

BBT 2012 meeting dates:-
Tuesday, 31st January 2012
Tuesday, 27th March 2012 – AGM

Tourism In Action Conference:
- Tuesday the 13th March 2012

Llangattock Green Valleys (LGV) is a community run not-for-profit in the National Park which has recently had significant success in reducing their carbon Footprint. (see www.llangattockgreenvalleys.org). They have recently launched a new programme – Reach for the Renewables – which initially is offering Photo Voltaic panels at a very affordable price through a buying club. This is something many members of the Tourism Community might be interested in pursuing.

Details are here: Llangattock Green Valleys FAQ (1)

Llangattock Green valleys RFTR Residential Leaflet (1)

LLangattock Green Valleys RFTR Commercial Lealfelt (1)

If you are interested in getting a survey do make contact via solar@llangattockgreenvalleys.org.

Since British Gas carried out the first solar PV installs in Llangattock last autumn, solar panel wholesale prices have really come down but this is not often reflected in the quotes from commercial installers. In addition the power output of panels has increased (up from 175W to 230W for the same size panel) and the inverters (which change the current from DC to AC) are now running at efficiencies up to 97.8%.
The offer is delivered with a partner – Fuseland Renewables Limited. They’re a reputable and experienced company based in Bristol, they’re committed to delivering quality products and high levels of service, and they have offered market-beating prices.

The key concern in hammering out the deal has been to get a great product at a great price for members. The starting prices for all system sizes are extremely competitive, with added discounts for volume – the more people who take part, the more everyone benefits.

The first bundle closed after two weeks having been fully subscribed. They are currently looking for the next 50 people to take part in second bundle. If you are interested in joining the second ‘bundle’ of schemes or subsequent bundles, which will begin installation towards the end of October, please read the attached documents and submit a Expression of Interest form to arrange your free survey.

You will find a link to the Expression of Interest form on the third page of the leaflets above under “Next Steps”. Upon receiving your completed Expression of Interest form you will receive an e-mail to confirm safe receipt of your form, upon which an initial desktop analysis will be carried to judge the viability of a scheme on your available roof space. With a positive initial desktop analysis result LGV will then make contact with you to arrange a detailed site assessment upon which a formal quotation will be generated for you and detailed information about your solar PV system will be provided.

Powys are offering the following grants:

Sustainable Powys scheme: Sustainable Tourism Powys Presentation

Sustainable Tourism Powys is running a series of FREE Tourism Business Events in February on the following topics:-
• Taking bookings & payments online – Explore a number of available booking & online payment systems options including guest link. The presentation will cover the booking systems and their suitability to the tourism industry, available payment solutions and their costs and suitability to the tourism industry, website integration, managing an online booking & payment solution and other relevant subjects.

• Reducing costs through renewable technology – A beginners guide on how you can green there business and become more sustainable by reducing costs through renewable technology. The presentations will include the following subjects: What renewable options are available, a brief overview of how they work, what are their benefits, what are their costs and how are they cost efficient. Explanation on grants vs FITS.

You will also discover the support and funding opportunities that are available through the Sustainable Tourism Powys project.

14th February 2012 – 9.30 till 1pm Antur Gwy, Builth Wells
20th February 2012 – 9.30 till 1pm Usk & Railway Inn, Sennybridge
21st February 2012 – 9.30 till 1pm MRC, Llandrindod Wells

If you are interested in attending you can book your place via www.tourismpowys.org, by emailing tourism.trade@powys.gov.uk or telephoning 01874 612281

Resilient Powys scheme: Resilient Powys

The Tourist Investment Support Scheme (TISS) is available for tourism businesses: see http://wales.gov.uk/topics/tourism/investsupport or call Visit Wales 0845 010 8020, email tiss@wales.gsi.gov.uk See also this presentation: Tourism Investment Support Scheme

‘Building for 2012’ is a short-term, fast-track initiative which forms part of the Tourism Investment Support Scheme (TISS). This new initiative will support micro, small and medium sized tourism businesses in Wales who are investing over the winter months in capital expenditure improvements to raise quality standards in preparation for 2012. The Building for 2012 initiative is open to tourism SME businesses, anywhere in Wales.To qualify for Building for 2012 funding, projects must be delivered by March 31, 2012.
In cash terms, it will normally be up to £25,000, up to 40% of eligible costs. This is a higher intervention rate for a limited period, with the usual rate for TISS support being circa 25%. The minimum support is £5,000. However, larger projects will not be excluded that meet eligibility rules and can complete by March 31st 2012. It’s quick and easy to apply. All you need to do is complete an introductory questionnaire and if you’re successful we’ll ask you to complete an application form. We’ll be able to give a quick decision, usually within 10 working days. Further information on Building for 2012 available online.

Welsh Government’s Regional Centres – These centres are available for other business advice see: Regional Centres in Wales

TPMW often run courses close to the Brecon Beacons keep an eye on their website:

Capitol Region Tourism also offer courses for businesses in the south of our region – see link

Gallu offer training for businesses in the western part of our region – see link

The Welsh Government Regional Centre Service based in Brecon offer support for businesses – the local contact is Daniel Gale Tel-: 01874 622 632 Or e-mail dgale@anturbusiness.co.uk

Attendance: Nicola (Punch) Maughan (Director General), Elizabeth Jeffreys (Chair), Alan Bowring (BBNPA), Nick Englefield (Beacon Park Boats), David & Ros Steel (Kite’s Nest Holiday Cottage), Marianne Cahill (Yew Tree Farm), Jane Donald & Lucy von Weber (SWWTP), Helen Jones (TPMW), James Hitchings (YHA), Cathey Morgan (Theatre Brycheiniog), Ceri Scott Howell (Coity Bach), Clare Wright (School Annex), Alison Kidd & Peter Williams (The Prospectory), Anna Heywood (Drover Holidays), Fiona Walker (Llandovery Chamber of Commerce), Hugh Davies (Myddfai Trading), Katy Jenkins & Hannah Spedding (The Glynhir Estate), Helen Rees (Tan Yr Eglwys)

Apologies: Kevin Walker, Carys Hewitt, Gary Davies, Mountain & River, The Grange G/H, Martin Smith, Kim Jones, Ian Andrews, Rose Vyvyan-Robinson

Agenda Points

Welcome
Elizabeth welcomed everyone and thanked Myddfai for hosting the meeting and congratulated them for creating such an inspirational building. It has been a good summer for the Brecon Beacons in terms of profile with both Myddfai and Talgarth being on prime time TV as part of the Village SOS challenge. The importance of celebrating events which is one of the things the Beacons do best was highlighted. The Abergavenny Food Festival had been impressive and the Llandovery Sheep Festival is the next one on the calendar with the Hay Walking Festival and Brecon Arts week in October

BBT Update
Punch updated the meeting on the BBT’s current work:
• www.breconbeaconstourism.co.uk continues to do well. 17,324 website visits in the month of August 2011 (all time high). All the main Brecon Beacons websites are coming together (BBNPA, Powys CC, BBT) to form one destination website – hopefully this will be in Spring 2012

• The Facebook page (www.facebook.com/thebreconbeacons) has 1,378 followers and the blog (http://breconbeacons.wordpress.com)also acts like a website with new tabs being added. Guest bloggers are constantly needed

• The PR & Marketing has been working well and as an example in August they fielded 25 media requests, produced 5 lots of weekly offers and have had press releases used in daily newspapers. Please continue to send news and offers to breconnews@gmail.com – Halloween, Guy Fawlkes, half term, Christmas input is required

• The Brecon Beacons Marketing Communication Group (BBMCG) has been developing its branding and this will help the new website

• BBT leaflet distribution is proving useful to BBT members and has been included as a member benefit. Next run October 4th

• The Tourist Investment Support Scheme (TISS) is available for tourism businesses: see http://wales.gov.uk/topics/tourism/investsupport or call Visit Wales 0845 010 8020, email tiss@wales.gsi.gov.uk .

Information on this and other tourism support is being presented at a day event called : ‘Support available to tourism businesses in Powys’ at the Media Resource centre, Llandrindod Wells, Friday, 23rd September . To attend telephone: 01874 622 632, E-mail: dgale@anturbusiness.org.uk

• Powys is reporting on it’s grant scheme ‘Sustainable Powys’ on Wednesday 28th September:
10.30am – 12.00pm – Peterstone Court Hotel, Brecon
1.30 – 3.00pm – CRiC, Crickhowell
To attend email tourism.trade@powys.gov.uk 01874 612281

• Feed in Tariffs (FITs) available from the Government:

www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/business/Business/Local-Authorities/Funding/Feed-in-Tariffs
FITS are reducing in March and solar energy companies are getting increasingly busy – now is the time to act.
Welsh Government Regional Centre Service are running an Environmental Focus Days with advice on
- viability – position of roof
- calculation of costs
- size of system
- pay back times and how much you will earn back over the next twenty five years
The business specialist can also outline the benefits of conducting such a project such as the use of the power you will generate, fuel bill savings and also property investment as it will add value to the property it is operated from. The business specialist can also help you to plan out the financial side of the project, taking into account aspects such as cash flow and funding.
Brecon – 6th October – to attend telephone: 01874 622 632, E-mail: dgale@anturbusiness.org.uk
• The Regional Centre in Carmarthenshire has nothing currently planned but their contact details are 01267 242385
fs4b@carmarthenshire.gov.uk if businesses want to make contact to be kept informed

• Visit Wales has had its Business Survey results from its summer survey and it is showing a mixed summer. Caravan & camping sites have done well whereas hotels and guesthouses have had a tougher summer.

• The Brecon Beacons How’s Business Survey will be coming out soon for tourism businesses to fill in, allowing a more focussed view of this years’ business levels

• WTA conference – 7th November, Llandrindod Wells. To register www.wta.org.uk

Myddfai Hall
The Myddfai Hall and shop is the end result of a 10 years struggle to create a project to help prevent the decline of the Myddfai community and village. The project used the physicians of Myddfai as the focus and the brand that has been developed from that has become widely recognisable even after this short period.

The trading arm will help sustain the community hall & is now selling to over 90 outlets in Wales; some are fairly large such as The National Trust and CADW points. The community arm of the project is the hall, which has been built very sustainably. It has been designed to be the heart of the community, acting as a venue for all the community events.

The TV programme ‘Village SOS’ has created an increase in the on-line sales and shop visits. There has also been enquiries about the business model the partnership used by other community groups thinking about doing the same sort of initiative.

The Llandovery Sheep Festival & Llandovery Partnership Initiative

Fiona Walker reported on the 2nd Llandovery Sheep Festival, which is on 24th & 25th September and has been successful in its aim to increase footfall to the town at the shoulder period end of the season. The festival was developed from the Love Llandovery initiative, which started 18 months ago and has been central to creating a community pride and enthusiasm for the town. www.llandoverysheepfestival.co.uk

‘What can the Geopark do for your business?’ – Alan Bowring, Geopark Officer at the BBNPA

The Geopark status has been a designator for the west of the Beacons for 5 years and has been hugely important in developing the information and understanding of this vitally important area.

The Geopark produces a Geopark newsletter on a regular basis providing information on the area and businesses and venue in the area.
The Geopark also produces leaflets on the area, the newest ones in the set are ‘Llandovery – Building Stones Geo-trail’ and ‘Garn Goch Geo-trail’.

One of the initiatives Alan is working on at the moment is creating itineraries with businesses in the area highlighting facts and things to see about the Geopark. Anyone who is interested in developing or hearing more about these itineraries should contact Alan.

Alan is eager to engage with businesses and hear what they would like to have or become involved with the Geopark, contact Alan on:
Alan.Bowring@breconbeacons.org

‘Reviews – good, bad or ugly?’ – Lucy von Weber, South West Wales Tourism Partnership
Lucy has recently completed a dissertation entitled ‘Tourism SMEs and electronic word of mouth: perceptions, practices and issues of consumer trust’….basically on online feedback and electronic word of mouth, ‘user reviews’! People are increasingly becoming swayed by and trusting online reviews and looking at on-line comment. People will be reviewing businesses whether we want them to or not. In tourism and holiday terms Intel reports that 4 out of 10 holiday makes use of on-line reviews, one of the most well known is TripAdvisor which has been around for 10 years. However recent bad press for this site in particular is causing concern. Reviews however are on most holiday sites, Google Places, Facebook…. Lucy researched how tourism businesses are dealing with reviews and are interacting with on-line media and reviews. It is important for tourism businesses to monitor on-line feedback and reviews. It is important to respond to both negative and positive reviews. Lucy’s dissertation can be viewed here:User Reviews Lucy von Weber Research

Next BBT Meeting: - 29th November