New team elected to represent local tourism industry

MWT Cymru, which represents around 600 tourism and hospitality member businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia, has elected a new leadership team following its annual meeting.

Rowland Rees-Evans, a director of Penrhos Park, Llanrhystud, near Aberystwyth, stood down as chairman after eight years and is now chair of the Wales Tourism Alliance (WTA).

Replacing him is Dylan Roberts, from Bow Street, near Aberystwyth, joint managing director of multi-award-winning Salop Leisure, which has bases in Shrewsbury, Machynlleth and Stourport-on-Severn.

New vice chairman is Suzy Davies, who lives near Machynlleth, a former Member of the Senedd, who recently stood down after three years as WTA chair.

Mr Roberts told the meeting, held at Nanteos Mansion, near Aberystwyth, he was privileged and honoured to be appointed chairman and said he was delighted to have Mrs Davies as his vice chairman.

He praised Mr Rees-Evans for his “tireless work, enthusiasm and commitment” and congratulated him on his new role as WTA chairman.

“Suzy brings a wealth of experience from her career, her time in the Senedd and as chair of the WTA,” he added. “She will be the voice of MWT Cymru in most PR matters, collaborating with other sector representatives, trade associations and with our politicians in the Senedd and Westminster.

“I will concentrate on offering guidance and assistance to Zoe Hawkins (MWT Cymru chief executive) and her team, ensuring the company continues to serve its members and flourish. 

“Together, we aim to promote and represent the interests of our members, encouraging development, respecting the environment, culture and communities, where we live and run our businesses and ensuring a thriving tourism economy for Mid Wales.”

Having worked for Salop Leisure for 35 years, Mr Roberts is a director of the British Holiday and Home Parks Association (BH & HPA), represents the National Caravan Council on the Caravan and Camping Forum for Wales and is a member of the Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum.

Apart from being one of the UK’s leading caravan and motorhome dealerships, Salop Leisure operates 11 caravan holiday parks and four self-catering houses in Mid Wales.

“I am passionate about Mid Wales and the tourism offering in Wales,” he added. “We are truly blessed to reside in and be able to welcome visitors to our beautiful region.”

He thanked MWT Cymru members for their continued support and appealed to them to act as ambassadors to attract other tourism operators and suppliers into membership.

“That way, collectively, we can continue to passionately showcase Mid Wales as a thriving tourism destination which benefits so many other businesses and the whole community,” he said. “Don’t forget, we are all stronger as one voice for Mid Wales.”

Mrs Davies also stressed the importance of the tourism sector in Mid Wales speaking with one voice during a challenging time for the industry.

“A united voice is far more powerful and without you, there is no voice,” she said. “What we do as an industry really matters.”

PICTURE: MWT Cymru’s retiring chairman Rowland Rees-Evans (left) with his successor, Dylan Roberts, vice chairman Suzy Davies and chief executive Zoe Hawkins.