Weatherproofing Wales
The Welsh Association of Visitor Attractions (WAVA) latest
summer survey indicates the continued decline in tourist
numbers visiting Welsh attractions. In the most recent summer
survey just under 60% of members stated that they had less
visitors than in 2023.
There are three main reasons for this decline.
The current cost of living crisis, and fewer visitors coming to
Wales. However, the main issue that most concerns WAVA
members is the continuing wet weather during the summer
tourist season.
Many Meteorologists have already stated that due to climate
change Wales climate will alter, and that we will get more rain in
the winter with wetter summers.
Ashford Price, Membership Secretary for WAVA said-
“As attraction operators we can no longer sit back and just pray
the weather will get better as doing this would be denying that
climate change is not already happening in Wales.
What attractions need to do is to make their attraction as
‘weatherproof’ as possible for visitors. Listed below are a few
examples of what needs to be done urgently.
This summer grass car parks again turned to mud after a few
weeks of use hence car parks in the future will have to have
solid groundworks to cope with all the rain we now get.
Covered tractor rides from the car parks to the attraction
entrance might be needed to keep visitors dry. Tourist cannot in
the future be expected to walk on soggy wet pathways, and
ticket offices will need to be covered over as once families are
soaked through many just go back to their cars as their day has
been ruined.
WAVA suggests that in ‘Weatherproofing Wales’ other sectors
might become involved. Tenting/caravan parks will need drying
rooms, and indoor areas like games rooms, and even self-
catering units might need to rethink and have far more facilities
for visitors when it rains. Who wants to just sit in a room looking
out of the window waiting for the rain to stop?
WAVA has already had initial discussions with Visit Wales about
the need to ‘weatherproof Wales’ and more meetings are
scheduled.
WAVA also realises that the NHS and schools need funding,
but these bodies are not wealth creators. Welsh tourism is
already generating nearly £4 billion pounds a year which is
helping fund these essential services in Wales.
If Welsh tourism is to remain competitive and we want tourists
to continue coming ‘Weatherproofing Wales’ will give potential
visitors the assurance that we have looked at the weather issue
and taken positive action.
If we do nothing, then overseas holidays for many will become
the norm and Wales will decline as a tourism provider”.
