Tourism needs ‘weatherproofing’ as attractions report decline

A tourism body has encouraged local businesses to ‘weatherproof’ for the long term after they claimed up to under 60% of members stated that they had less visitors than in 2023.

The Welsh Association of Visitor Attractions (WAVA)’s latest summer survey indicates the continued decline in tourist numbers visiting Welsh attractions.

While the ongoing cost of living crisis, and fewer visitors coming to Wales, has been highlighted, they say the main issue that most concerns WAVA members is the continuing wet weather during the summer tourist season.

With meteorologists already stating that due to climate change, our weather will alter with 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.

“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 with Tent/caravan parks providing drying rooms, and more indoor areas like games rooms.

The group said it has already had initial discussions with Visit Wales about the need to ‘weatherproof Wales’ and more meetings are scheduled.

“If Welsh tourism is to remain competitive and we want tourists to continue coming, then Weatherproofing Wales will give potential visitors the assurance that we have looked at the weather issue and taken positive action,” Mr Price added.

“If we do nothing, then overseas holidays for many will become the norm and Wales will decline as a tourism provider.”