Whilst it may be a quiet time of year for the trade in Pembrokeshire, that is definitely not the case of the county’s leading tourism trade association.

The next few months see several events for businesses in the tourism sector, which aim to educate, support and celebrate those within the county’s tourism economy.

Last week saw another great Supplier to Buyer event at Withybush showground, which welcomed over 400 visitors to see 63 suppliers and was delivered in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council and the Bucanier project.

The Pembrokeshire Tourism team were also delighted to welcome Suzy Davies AM, chair of the Cross-Party Tourism Group at the Welsh Assembly, to the office to discuss key concerns that threaten growth in the industry. The discussion included the threat of a Tourism Tax being introduced, unregulated holiday letting, transport, efficient broadband for businesses and the lack of opportunity for micro and small businesses to access funding for business development. She also spoke about the vital role that Pembrokeshire Tourism plays in ensuring the views of the county’s tourism operators continue to be represented in Cardiff Bay and learned more about some of the fantastic successes that the county’s tourism businesses have been celebrating.

Looking ahead, February 26 sees the annual Pembrokeshire Tourism Summit. This will be held at Rhosygilwen and has a packed agenda with a range of speakers talking about trends in tourism, and what the trade can do to help drive business in the coming year and beyond.

Jane Rees-Baynes, chair or Pembrokeshire Tourism, said: “This is a key event in our calendar and helps to inform the trade before the start of the season. This year we’re delighted to welcome a wide range of speakers from a diverse range of backgrounds and specialities - all of whom will be able to offer some valuable insight. Attendees will be able to ask questions that are relevant to their particular business and hopefully leave feeling the’ve got some knowledge they can implement.”

Also in February is the deadline for the Dog Friendly Pembrokeshire Tourism Awards (nominations close on February 24) - make sure you nominate your favourite business/town/beach via the awards website www.pembrokeshiretourismawards.net before this date. The awards themselves take place at Meadow House on April 30.

March 20 sees Pembrokeshire Tourism welcome Basil, Sybil and Manuel to Plas Hyfryd Hotel, Narberth as part of the hugely popular Faulty Towers Dining Experience. Straight from London’s West End via the legendary Sydney Opera House, this international sensation is now coming to Pembrokeshire.

Dennis O’Connor, tourism liaison manager at Pembrokeshire Tourism, said “This is a great chance for people to let their hair down and enjoy a very entertaining evening before the season arrives. The show has travelled the world, regularly selling out, and tickets include a three-course set dinner and two-hour interactive show.”

For more information please see the Pembrokeshire Tourism Facebook page.

The following week the Pembrokeshire Tourism team, in association with Mid and West Wales Fire & Rescue (MWWFire), will be holding a talk on March 24 in St Florence Village Hall aimed at ensuring that accommodation businesses (including Airbnb properties) are compliant with the fire regulations.

Kris Steel, watch manager at MWWFire, said: “Any premises that has paying guests, however small, will be regulated under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. We will be present to answer questions regarding this type and any other business fire safety issue, we are here to assist you to provide a safe environment for staff and customers alike.”

Information and tickets for all of these events are available from Pembrokeshire Tourism on 01646 622228 or email [email protected]