TOP tourism business leaders have gathered in Swansea for the first Welsh tourism summit.
Assembly Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones met leading representatives at the Dragon Hotel yesterday to hear about the impact the current economic climate is having on trade.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Mr Jones said he was going to tell delegates that the Assembly was there to listen and to ensure that the relationship between the industry and government was as open as possible.
As for his thoughts on the current effect of the financial downturn on the tourism trade.
"I think it?s a bit early to judge that but there is a great deal of concern about bookings for next year," said Mr Jones.
"That's why we're having the summit, to listen to the concerns of the industry and then act upon them.
"What we do know is that there is no more extra money available in terms of public spending, so we have to use the money we do have as carefully and efficiently as we can."
He said the Assembly was spending ?4 million on a marketing campaign aimed at encouraging people to book short-term break holidays in Wales.
The second part of it will kick off in January with adverts screened on television and the web.
"The money spent on the campaign in September attracted 60,000 new people to Wales on short- term breaks," said Mr Jones.
"Once they are staying, eating and out spending, that money is boosting the local economy.
"We have to make sure the experiences that people have is a good experience, interesting and different so that they will return."
As for the impact of bad weather over the last two summers?
"Some attractions have suffered badly from the weather, of course, but others seem to have overcome the difficulties reasonably well including Dan yr Ogof Caves.
"We are emphasising outdoor activities as a growth area and we have to develop that and make sure that our youngsters are trained so that they can take advantage of the job opportunities."