Whitsun Regional Feedback Summary Survey Doc - Newsletter

REGIONAL MEMBER FEEDBACK WHITSUN PERIOD 2009 SUMMARY The 3 Tourism Trade Associations of South West Wales within Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Swansea Bay, represent over 1200 front facing tourism trade members. The data analysed within this report, was gained as a result of a plea for industry feedback following the recent Whitsun period. A total of 93 members responded out of a total of 763 (PT and CTA), 21 out of a total 320 from Swansea. Whilst few leading questions had been asked, many respondents covered similar topics in their report, and thus further consideration has been given in order to analyse the quantitative data in more depth. The report is sectioned into serviced and non serviced accommodation, activities and attractions and restaurants. In each section, a qualitative overview is followed by general trends and comments within the sector, together with detailed comments from individual trade members. Further information can be obtained by contacting: Alison Belton Chief Executive, Pembrokeshire Tourism 01646 622228 07870 583077 [email protected] 14th July, 2009

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CONTENTS Item

Page

NON SERVICED SECTOR Pembrokeshire/Carmarthenshire (Caravan and Camping Sector)

3-7 8-10

SERVICED SECTOR Pembrokeshire/Carmarthenshire

11-16

ATTRACTIONS/ACTIVITY SECTOR Pembrokeshire/Carmarthenshire

17-19

PUBS/RESTAURANT SECTOR

20

SUPPLIERS

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APPENDIX 1

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FEEDBACK FROM TOURISM SWANSEA BAY MEMBERS

NON SERVICED SECTOR Quantitative Data for PT/CTA region TOTAL NUMBER OF REPLIES in SECTOR = Pembrokeshire 20 Carms 13 Booking levels sustained or 90% (Pembs) increased on 08 46% (Carms) Already fully booked, turning away additional inquiries

20% (Pembs) 8% (Carms)

Visitors rebooking following stay

20% (Pembs) 0% (Carms)

Fully occupied for whole week

75% (Pembs) 61% (Carms)

Positive forward bookings

25% (Pembs) 23% (Carms)

Late bookings coming into play

5% (Pembs) 38% (Carms)

Short break market increasing

15% (Pembs) 15% (Carms)

On line last minute bookings driving/filling gaps in bookings

0% (Pembs – no particular comments) 0% (Carms – “ “ “)

Forward bookings particularly quiet

20% (Pembs) 15% (Carms)

General Trends and Comments: PEMBS • Weather impacted on bookings greatly meaning that additional capacity could have been achieved if bedstock had become available • Car parking at busy times proving issue at Tenby • Attractions proving popular: Heatherton, Folly Farm and Manor Park • More repeat business

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• • • •

Capacity bookings in some areas (inc Saundersfoot) in line with major events (Coppett Hall week) Visitors undertaking outdoor activities, coast path walking, bird watching as supported in 2007/8 PCC/SWWTP Visitor Survey data Comments that food product at lower “family” end is poor, at higher end using local produce and home cooked menus, much more costly Increased shorter breaks and last minute inquiries

CARMS (as above but also : ) • A comment that the AIO in NCE has closed – with no leaflets there seeing an impact on last minute bookings this season. • Concern from some members on the lack of bookings, but as with Pembs very mixed, others more positive about the season’s outlook. • Overseas visitors from Netherlands, generally though overseason visitors not yet impacting. • Visitors responding to special offers

Qualitative Data Pembrokeshire COTTAGE BOOKING AGENCY We had a very good week although there was not any surplus around, as there usually is, which I found surprising as the forecast was good. AMROTH COTTAGES, SOUTH PEMBS … all our cottages were fully booked for the whole of the Whit week and everyone enjoyed the good weather. Those with families loved Heatherton for all the activities, Folly Farm of course (loved the Giraffes), and Manor Park. CWM CONNELL COTTAGES, NORTH PEMBS This is only our second year running Cwm Connell as Self Catering Holiday Cottages. There are six in total and it has been running as a business for 20 years now, but with very little return business. Whitsun weekend we were fully booked in 5 cottages and short break booked in 1 cottage. Though at the last minute I could probably have filled at least another 4 or 5 cottages if I had them. It was a much better turn out than last year, but of course the weather helped immensely. 3 out of the 6 cottages said they wanted to return next year. ANON Small self catering cottage has been booked for the past month and right through till Oct PANORAMIC HOLIDAYS, SOUTH Our flats were booked up some time ago so perhaps we are not the people to pass on comments on this occasion. We are always booked for the bank holiday week in Saundersfoot which is also Coppett Week (sailing). However, we did notice that the village was heaving, and without doubt it was busier than we saw it for the whole of last year. Some friends of ours tried to go to Tenby on BK Hol Sunday, could find nowhere to park, or even walk comfortably, and came home again.Of course the weather has to have had something to do with it as it brought out short breakers CELTIC HAVEN, SOUTH PEMBS Celtic Haven had an excellent Whitsun – we were fully-booked at the resort and had been since the beginning of the year. In fact, we had lots of people calling to book cottages after Easter for Whitsun week and, unfortunately, for them we had to advise we had nothing available. We also had lots of

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visitors to our leisure facilities, restaurant and spa who were staying in Tenby. We are fully booked for the summer CLYDEY COTTAGES, NORTH PEMBS All fourteen cottages were fully booked across the Whitsun period this year equating to 100% occupancy, which is an improvement on last year, when only twelve were booked. As an estimate, we have seen a 20% increase in turnover based on 2008. The weather in general was good which made for happy guests and children. Positive questionnaire feedback gained from Folly Farm, Blue Lagoon (although not surprisingly very busy on a rainy day !), Iron Age Fort, St.David's Cathederal, Cenarth Falls, The Coastal Path Walks and all the Beaches inc. Whitsands, Mwnt, Llangranog, Newport Pembs. Overall our bookings are up on last year, with Clydey Cottages (10 self catering cottages)being fully booked from May 16th to Aug 29th. ANON We are a small independent ex Youth Hostel. We are not far from St Davids by car, but also not in a especially well known location. We had a busy bank holiday weekend, mainly of adults (in small groups of couples, families and friends) who were here because of the long weekend. The following week then became more family oriented. Everyone was especially happy because of the sunny weather, but on the day over the bank holiday when there was rain they all still had an enjoyable day, mostly opting to have a 'cafe & gallery'day. The main reason our guests cite for coming here is the location and natural beauty of the area. LITTLE LOVESTON, SOUTH whit week always full up with regulars - british - lots of barbecues from farm shop because of weather and buying up narberth. every year first half of june is very quiet. HERONS BROOK, SOUTH Our new Holiday lodges at Herons Brook Retreat were graded by Visit Wales the week prior to Whitsun and all achieved 5 star which we are really pleased with, and all were fully booked for the Whitsun week , the glorious weather also helped to bring the golfers out in strength to the 18 hole course WERNDDOFN, NORTH The family (Mum, Dad and 3 dogs) we have in our cottage at the moment have been here since Whitsun weekend ( 2 week stay) and are having a wonderful holiday here in Pembrokeshire..Their one negative comment has been about eating out..... we have pointed them in the direction of the few places where we have enjoyed good homemade dishes but with two children those places tend to be a bit pricey. When we have ventured out over the past week or so everywhere seemed busy and the shops all looked like they were doing well..... we are very happy with the way things are going with our new business - could do with our next 2 cottages being done as we could have filled them easily during the holiday weeks. Since opening on April 4th we have had, in total, about 2 weeks when the cottage has been empty all of June and July is booked solid and the enquiries are coming in for August with 1 week booked we even have a booking for September. As we have yet to get ourselves known we are very pleased with our bookings and find that Last Minute deals offered online fill the gaps. Our target we set ourselves for this year was to have the cottage booked for 20 weeks (seeing as we only opened in April) - we are now up to 15 weeks booked so hopefully our target will be reached fairly soon! NOLTON HAVEN, WEST In an otherwise barren May, both holidays were booked in Curlew Cottage, but both were very lastminute bookings. I did however have several mid-week enquiries i.e. Friday to Tuesday which present a dilemma as they interfere with normal Saturday to Saturday weeks. Experience this year

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seems to show that this is a growing trend but with only one property it is difficult to know how to cater for it. HAROLDSTON, WEST We are finding that the Whitsun break is fast becoming one of the most popular weeks of the year. We do get lots of enquiries for it. I am note sure whether this is a general trend or just because our large self-catering cottage (sleeps 12) is very appropriate for big families? The family that were with us last week were here at the same time in 2008 and have already booked for next year. CAERHAFOD HOSTEL, NORTH We had a very successful Whitsun holiday with a 4 night party block booking for the 1st 4 nights, and only 3 empty beds in a dorm room for the rest of the week bar Tuesday. Tuesday was the only poor day, but this may be as a result of the party leaving on that day. ANON self catering, 7 properties all full, but phone is fairly quiet now. PORTCLEW HOUSE AND COTTAGES, SOUTH We eventually filled all of our rooms in the guesthouse, but bookings were slow. Only one out of 5 self catering cottages were occupied over the half term week - the first time yet! PENYRALLT UCHAF FARM, NORTH Whitsun week bookings were much better than last year. We had one B&B room out of two booked,for 5 nights and the self catering cottage was booked all week. EAST TREWENT, SOUTH Bed and breakfast serviced accommodation busy at weekend but not full during whit week. Self-catering non serviced - not many enquiries and a few short breaks in 3 cottages but not full for the whole week. LOWER LAMPHEY PARK, SOUTH Fully booked over the Holiday weekend .. (four rooms + two cottages) and turned away at least as many as we accommodated. Dropped off a little later in the week but busy this last weekend – but not quite fully booked WHITEHALL LODGE, SOUTH We were full over the holiday weekend, but they have all gone away now! Breakdown as follows: Self catering: both units full, visitors from London area and Birmingham area. Bed & breakfast : Full, 6 English, 1 French & 1 Argentinean (married to each other!) Spend: All very active, including 3 hours at Karting (Haverfordwest) for one family. LITTLE WEDLOCK GALLERY, SOUTH Both my flats were fully booked during the Whitsun week by people from England.

Carmarthenshire SEA VIEW CHALETS, CARMARTHEN BAY, COAST Happy with business, increase on lst year although first time working with CTA/Local Authority. Lots of last minute bookings, but half of chalets booked up months ago. Experiencing more short breaks. Visjitors from Scotland, Ireland, Liverpool. 3 bookings from overseas and this hasn’t been experienced before. More people in the accommodation – filling to capacity. First time visitors to Wales. TYMENYN COTATGES, LLANDEILO, COUNTRY Very pleased with business, full to a maximum over holiday period. Some last minute mini breaks others in advance. Short breaks 4/5 nights, with visitors from London and Netherlands.

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TYPOETH COTTAGE, LLANDYSUL, COUNTRY Very pleased, could have booked several times over. Visitors from Birmingham. BLAENDYFFRYN BACH, PENCADER, COUNTRY One cottage booked for a week as a return visit, generally experienced decreased bookings. Dartmoor visitors. Visited for Brechfa cycle routes. BLAENFFOREST, NEWCASTLE EMLYN, COUNTRY This year looking better than last year. Booking for two weeks including Whitsun. One booking made in Feb but more last minute. Yorkshire visitors. GODREMAMOG MILL, GROUP SELF CATERING, NEWCASTLE EMLYN, COUNTRY Only 50% occupancy, less than last 2 years. 12 months for return/annual visitors in booking leads, one weekin advance for long weekends. South East/Home counties mainly, with Netherlands also. GLASCOED FARM COTTAGES, ST CLEARS, COUNTRY 2 cottages, both let. Smaller cottage onward bookings through June god, larger still has some vacncies. Return bookings from last year (booked earlier in year due to offer) GWILI MILL, LLANPUMPSAINT, COUNTRY Fully booked with advanced annual booking made in Aug 08. MAESACHDDU, PORTHYRHYD, COUNTRY Fully booked for week with visitors from Cardiff and Coventry. PARC Y LLONG, KIDWELLY, COUNTRY Three cottages fully booked over 2 week Whitsun period. Visitors from Cambridge, Essex and Devon

FFYNNONLWYD FARM, ST CLEARS, COUNTRY Disappointing Whitsun week despite the weather being good. One last minute accommodation booking at short notice. 3 weeks still available for main season, quite worrying. LLANERCHINDDA FARM, LLANDOVERY, COUNTRY Much quieter Whitsun period this year than others, with less families about. About 25 less guests staying over same period in 08. Most pre booked but managed to fill outstanding vacancies with guests deciding to stay on as weather was good – not new bookings. No overseas impact.

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CARAVAN AND CAMPING SECTOR Quantitative Data TOTAL NUMBER OF REPLIES in SECTOR = Pembrokeshire 7 Carms 5 Booking levels sustained or 71% (Pembs) increased on 08 80% (Carms) Already fully booked, turning away additional inquiries

14% (Pembs) 20% (Carms)

Visitors rebooking following stay

14% (Pembs) 0% (no comments) Carms

Fully occupied for whole week

57% (Pembs) 80% (Carms)

Positive forward bookings

14% (Pembs) 20% (Carms)

Late bookings coming into play

0% (Pembs) 40% (Carms)

Short break market increasing

14% (|Pembs) 0% (no comments) Carms

On line last minute bookings driving/filling gaps in bookings Forward bookings quiet

General Trends and Comments PEMBS • Pembrokeshire Tourism finds this sector particularly difficult to engage with, with only 15 members. Reasons: high percentage of sites owner occupied, owners already belong to Caravan Club or BH and HPA as their Trade Associations. PT is working hard to continue to engage and increase membership in this sector.

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Whilst one caravan park indicated that “best Whitsun for five years” and others being fully booked, there was a sense of disappointment resulting from inaccurate weather forecasting affecting bookings esp in camping sector • More positive marketing of area to increase visitor interest but also increased marketing needed for domestic tourism • As the camping and touring market is traditionally more last minute/weather dependent than static, forward booking levels are difficult to establish. CARMS • Majority of campers seem to be from within Wales. • Brilliant weather caused lots of last minute bookings.

Qualitative Data Pembrokeshire STONEPIT CARAVAN PARK, SOUTH We were busy over the full week, everybody appeared to have a good time, and the weather helped. PINEWOOD CARAVAN PARK, SOUTH Had a very good whitsun week all accommodation was full and this week also and for the next five weeks but August looking quiet. Pinewood Caravan Park ANON Hoping for a good week end but the camping was not a good turn out as we hoped for,weather forecasters casting gloom when all was fine, hope things will be better for summer need good marketing and positive attitude ,interest early on was good but then dipped come may, this hot spell should help, I think people are working though the credit crunch slowly in their own ways, but looking better for aug`- hope this of use ANON touring caravan and camping site , near Pembroke and we have been fully booked over the Whitsun break, turning many , many people away, who we were unable to accommodate. Whitsun week was the best for the last five years. Good weather will ensure their return. BEACHDEAN LEISURE PARK, SOUTH We have such a minimal number of overseas visitors in our static holiday homes we feel that the various authorities should be directing their advertising campaigns to the homemarket as this brings a higher financial return to everyone in Tourism in Pembrokeshire. Would suggest some advertising now for the summer holidays to strengthen the position we are in whilst the sunshines his week. PENDEILO LEISURE PARK, SOUTH The bookings over Whitsun were nothing to complain about but very nearly full is not quite as good as the usual 100% full. Enquiries and bookings are up on 2007/08 but still significantly lower for April May and June than 2002-2006, esp email enquires. Carmarthenshire ERWLON CARAVAN PARK, LLANDOVERY Park full during Whitsun hols (full at least a fortnight before). Busier than usual during week following Whitsun. Majority of visitors from within Wales, minority from England with some overseas. RIVER VIEW TOURING PARK, LLANEDI, COUNTRY Full for bank hol period, turning away additional business in two weeks prior. Better bookings for week following Whitsun with overall bookings up by about 15% on last year. Majority of bookings taken in Jan and Feb. Remainder early may, late bookings also with good weather forecast impacting.

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GLYN COCH CRAFT CENTRE, CAMPING SITE WITH ATTRACTION, ST CLEARS, COUNTRY Camp site only half full, with craft shop fairly quite and pottery very quiet – indicative of fantastic weather everyone off to coast. AFON TEIFI CARAVAN PARK, CENARTH, COUNTRY Whitsun very good, but normally is. CARMARTHENSHIRE FARM AND COUNTRY HOLIDAYS GROUP, MIXED WITH VARIOUS LOCATIONS Camping and caravanning looking good with May being excellent. Increased short breaks, with cheaper end of market doing better. Not experiencing the expected boom yet!

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SERVICED SECTOR Quantitative Data TOTAL NUMBER OF REPLIES in SECTOR = Pembrokeshire Carms Booking levels sustained or 65% (Pembs) increased on 08 28% (Carms)

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Already fully booked, turning away additional inquiries

7% (Pembs) 0% (no comments) Carms

Visitors rebooking following stay

11% (Pembs) 0% (no comments) Carms

Fully occupied for whole week

34% Pembs 14% Carms

Positive forward bookings

11% Pembs 0% (no comments) Carms

Late bookings coming into play

23% Pembs 14% Carms

Short break market increasing

31% Pembs 14% Carms

On line last minute bookings driving/filling gaps in bookings

11% Pembs 14% Carms

Forward bookings quiet

4% Pembs (indicating this as a comment) 0% making a comment on this, but generally very poor

General Trends and Comments PEMBS • On line booking company Eviivo Frontdesk reports that average booking values have increased by £9.00 on 08 to £140.00 with 27% of total property bookings being taken on line. • Businesses with effective and proactive individual digital marketing campaigns are improving their booking conversion ratio 11

• • • • • • • •

One member experienced a reverse in booking trends, with underbooking of accommodation for the first time in 7 years (Broad Haven), another indicating takings down by 20% on last year. One member picked up on a comment which PT has heard repeated that little business is coming in via TICs. International visitors impacting on this sector, France, Italy, USA, German, Danish, Swedish, Czechoslovakian, Latvia, Japan Visitors showing caution on expenditure, not eating out so much, price conscious Shorter stays, one or two nights. Digital technology and web marketing are driving positive bookings, including the use of booking.com and other interfaces. One member received 90% of bookings through internet, with 50% coming from booking.com Respondents commenting that guests tend to be active, looking for activities. The industry’s continued objective should be to set high standards and deliver consistently, to develop trade in the quieter months and try not to be totally dependent on the bank holidays and ‘wish’ for good weather in the peak season.

• CARMS • • •

As above, def more last minute and on line searches taking place Generally still to see the rush! One member commented that seo is essential.

Qualitative Data Pembrokeshire EVIIVO FRONTDESK, ON LINE BOOKING AGENCY · We currently have around 3000 properties in the UK using frontdesk (around 20 are in Pembrokeshire) ·

Last month our properties did 30,000 online bookings which were worth around £4.2m

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Our average booking value was £140 which is up £9 year on year

· During this month 27% of our properties' bookings were taken online That might give you a little bit to work with respect to the booking behaviour of customers who are after UK SME accommodation product. TY RHOSYN, NORTH We had a busy B/H weekend, in fact bookings both short term and forward bookings have dramatically increased since the beginning of May, partly due to clever marketing on my part (blow my own trumpet) and therefore we are reaching a far wider audience now. The weather has improved the situation too, we are even turning people away on some days which never happened last year and we are getting more people just turning up at the door than we have had previously.

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The B/H weekend was busy for us with 2 out of 3 rooms sold and for 3 nights each which was an improvement on last year when we only sold the rooms for 2 nights. Generally feeling very positive about the summer ahead. GOWER HOTEL, SOUTH Feedback as requested! We were about as busy as usual but not manic, and I wonder who says that hotel bookings were up by 150%. TY RHOS B AND B, NORTH I had a young couple for the 3 nights 28 29 30 May and it was their 1st visit to West Wales. They went to Cardigan shopping eating that night at the Nags Head at Abercych. Next Newport and it's beach and that evening ate atFfynonne in Newcapel. Lastly St Davids and the Shed at Porthgain. All these places I suggested as a varied taster of some of the things on offer. They wanted to come back in August but I am booked then so they are coming half term in the autumn. ANON Up 28.5% on same week (not weekend) as last year, speaks for itself! ANCHOR GUEST HOUSE, BROAD HAVEN The actual Bank Holiday weekend itself, 22nd-25th May, I had one room (of seven) vacant, the first time in 7 seasons. (The guest house usually has one or two vacancies the first holiday weekend in May, but has always been oversubscribed for the end of the month holiday, so I was a bit surprised to see the trend reversed.). The self-catering units in the village seemed to be pretty full. My general impression is that although the beach was busy, guests are self-sufficient ie they are bringing the majority of food and drink themselves rather than relying on buying entire meals for the whole (family) group when they are out. The tea rooms were “flat”, but often are in very nice weather. Drinks were topped up at the local shop if needed and of course, fish and chips and ice cream did a very good trade. AWELFAN, ST DAVIDS Last Whitsun was pretty good for me, (B&B at Awelfan, Nr, St.Davids), this Whitsun Have found great comments on www.tripadvisor re. B&B at Awelfan, and some guests have said they had read them too!! Nothing through tourist info.this Whitsun, surprising as the music festival was on. NORMANDIE GUEST HOUSE, WEST the busiest bank holiday we have ever had and some lovely visitors - as well as relatives visiting relations. RHOS Y GILWEN, NORTH We had a concert on 30 May – not too well attended, albeit quite widely advertised – possibly as it was slightly specialized, but more likely because of fantastic weather and an awful lot of other concerts/events on. Lunch on Sunday quite well attended, although once more slightly affected by the weather. PORTCLEW HOUSE AND COTTAGES, SOUTH We eventually filled all of our rooms in the guesthouse, but bookings were slow. Only one out of 5 self catering cottages were occupied over the half term week - the first time yet! DRUIDSTONE, WEST As usual the school holiday rush was massive. I think there were not quite so many enquiries in the lead up to the holiday and many announced that they were on a tight budget but spent it freely when they say the menu/wine list/interesting range of soft drinks. Provide something a bit different or a bit more always seems to be appreciated. Much quieter today but weekends are fully booked until the next school holiday. ANON Takings down by at least 20% on last year

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ANON "The B&B was virtually fully booked for the entire week. We had visitors from France, Italy and the USA, almost without exception every guest mentioned the spectacular scenery and the friendly and helpful `natives`!" We were quieter than usual but at the last minute people were booking. The weather seemed to do a lot with it, but we do feel people are more aware of prices which last whit-sun we did not see. CEFN Y DRE COUNTRY HOUSE, NORTH Just done a quick overall analysis based on two sets of figures: 1. 3 nts (22/23/24) : B/H weekend occupancy : pre-booked 56%, actual 67%. 2. 9 nts (22-30 incl) : incl 2 weekends' occupancy : pre-booked 37%, actual 44%. We only had one night with every room taken. Three couples booked in on the day - one used mobile broadband, one found us via Rough Guide to Wales and one was a local referral from a fully booked B&B. Two empty nights 25 and 26 May. Five lots of one-night stays; two sets of two-nighters, and one family for three nights. We had one last minute (two hours' notice) cancellation, for which we are chasing payment. One two guests were British. Everyone else was a foreign national, American, German, Danish, Swedish, Czechoslovakian; five couples are working in this country and exploring Wales on holiday, two other sets were ferry passengers. Not particularly bright figures for a peak bank holiday and an eye opener with respect to the UK visitor market. It will be interesting to see how they compare with others. ANON I had a very busy May up to and including Bank Holiday weekend. Whitsun week itself was quiet, but then I don't really encourage children to stay so perhaps that is why. All my visitors during this period have been from the UK with the exception of a Japanese lady and a Latvian man currently living in Belgium! PENYRALLT UCHAF FARM, north Whitsun week bookings were much better than last year. We had one B&B room out of two booked,for 5 nights and the self catering cottage was booked all week. EAST TREWENT FARM, SOUTH Bed and breakfast serviced accommodation busy at weekend but not full during whit week. Self-catering non serviced - not many enquiries and a few short breaks in 3 cottages but not full for the whole week. East Trewent Farm LOWER LAMPHEY PARK, SOUTH Fully booked over the Holiday weekend .. (four rooms + two cottages) and turned away at least as many as we accommodated. Dropped off a little later in the week but busy this last weekend – but not quite fully booked WHITEHALL LODGE, SOUTH We were full over the holiday weekend, but they have all gone away now! Breakdown as follows: Self catering: both units full, visitors from London area and Birmingham area. Bed & breakfast : Full, 6 English, 1 French & 1 Argentinean (married to each other!) Spend: All very active, including 3 hours at Karting (Haverfordwest) for one family. BORDERS B AND B, SOUTH We had a good weekend a family of four and a ten week old baby as b and b's. We had numerous enquiries especially last minute ( friday eve/sat. morn). Have also been full all week/weekend and awaiting two Americans to arrive for two nights.

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JALNA, SOUTH A Really busy holiday period we were fully booked well in advance, Saundersfoot was extremely busy all the pubs and eateries seemed to be doing well, only goes to show what impact good weather and accurate good weather forecasting has on an area. ELM GROVE COUNTRY HOUSE, south Whitsun 2009 saw our guest numbers increase on last year. The number of families has reduced and are being replaced by guests in the 40+ age bracket who mainly come to walk and see the historic attractions.We received 90% of our bookings this year through the internet - with 50% of those coming from booking.com and the remainder coming through from our own website driven by google searches and similar information sites. CWMWDIG, NORTH Whitsun bookings were good but at the last minute. The St David's music festival normally means we are booked in advance for the whole week. People were still attending the concerts but only staying 23 days. enjoyed there visits and would come back again. spaces in between filled up as the week went on. BAY HOUSE, TENBY Very good occupancy for the week leading to and over the weekend. Everyone had a great time and will be back! Lots of enquiries, in all excellent result! ST BRIDES SPA HOTEL, SOUTH very positive Whitsun, increased sales. The main feed back from our departments; A demand for higher standards of service and quality, value is more important than price. The bank holiday is not an absolute litmus test for our trade as great effort has been made to encourage year round trade, Our objective is to set high standards and deliver consistently, to develop trade in the quieter months and try not to be totally dependent on the bank holidays and ‘wish’ for good weather in the peak season. Guests are looking for escape, shorter stays (2-3 nights) and as important things to do, both active and passive. Quality dining experience with value rather than cheap and cheerful, is a very important element of the stay with friendly and professional service, a sincere welcome and consistent standards.

Carmarthenshire COTHI BRIDGE HOTEL, PONTARGOTHI Bookings down on last year and seeing impact of last minute bookings. FFYNNONLWYD FARM, B AND B AND SELF CATERING, LLANGYNIN, ST CLEARS, COUNTRY Disappointing week, late bookings for two nights, but weather impacted positively and bookings stretched. No forward bookings for July and August, worrying. CAPEL DEWI FARM HOUSE, CAPEL DEWI, CARMS, COUNTRY Bookings down on last year, general feeling that people are booking later because it is easier to do so via the internet as you can often get an instant answer. Decrease could be down to more competition and the need for constant seo. No Garden of Wales Festival in the county next year – short sighted as events such as these take a few years to get established. LLETY CYNIN, GROUP ACCOMMODATION, ST CLEARS, COUNTRY

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Full over Whitsun, through word of mouth, a big improvement on 08 but only been open one month this time last year. The booking was made in January 09 LLANERCHINDDA FARM, B AND B AND SELF CATERING, LLANDOVERY, COUNTRY Quieter whitsun period than other years, little outdoor activities. Most of bookings were prebooked several weeks in advance although we still had vacancies for Fri and Sat (22 and 23 May) but managed to fill them with on staying guests. Not seeing impact of overseas guests. ALLT Y GOLAU FARMHOUSE, FELINGWM UCHAF, COUNTRY March, April and May similar to 2008 levels. Lots of last minute bookings following a poor start to May. Advance international bookings for main season. CARMARTHENSHIRE FARM AND COUNTRY HOLS GROUP Some operators say start to year was poor and May was quiet with bookings down on last year. Generally increase in people taking short breaks.

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ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES SECTOR Pembrokeshire – 10 respondents within this sector Carmarthenshire – 4 respondents within this sector, together with 1 Blue Badge Guide l TIC PEMBS General comments and trends • • •

•

•

Obviously a very different sector to accommodation, but the 10 respondents all indicated increased visitor numbers, which is hugely encouraging. The weather in this sector obviously helps most, but others like art galleries, coffee shops and more specialist niche markets tend not to be so busy in warm weather, as everyone flocks to the coast. Some did seem to buck this particular spend, with reports from t he Slate Workshop of sustainable and spending visitor numbers, whilst another gallery reported substantial purchases despite low visitor numbers. People obviously recognizing quality of product and not price as an investment purchase. The three larger attractions of Folly Farm, Heatherton and Oakwood reported excellent trading increases. Interestingly the new and very well marketed attraction of Tree Tops at Heatherton had substantial bookings, indicating product refreshments and development is key to business sustainability. Comments from visitors that they would be making return visits.

CARMS • • • • •

Echos in craft sector – weather impacts, if good coast wins! 3 of the major attractions reported increased visitor numbers, with Pembrey breaking the existing barrier record Increase in group bookings at Museum of Childhood Blue badge guide major increase with overseas cruise liner TIC noted lots of overseas visitors

Qualitative Data Pembrokeshire visitor numbers were quite promising when the weather was nice. FOLLY FARM, SOUTH We were absolutely delighted with the half term performance trading up over 40% on last year with two record days. Undoubtedly the weather played a big part in such a huge turnaround. SLATE WORKSHOP, NORTH Our business is not always a mirror image of the majority, as we often do well when the weather is less brilliant and visitors are looking for things to do (at no cost!)

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We were surprised how well numbers, and most importantly, sales/orders held up for us over the holiday. Not exactly record- breaking, but we are quite pleased. SOLVA BOAT TRIPS, NORTH Whitsun for us was good, mainly because the weather (apart from Wednesday) was so much better than last year. Business was up approx. 20%. HEATHERTON, SOUTH Heatherton has had an excellent whitsun holidays, with a 20% increase from last year. In particular the Tree Tops Trail has been exceptional, with most days being fully booked. OAKWOOD, SOUTH We have experienced a very good Whitsun at Oakwood. The warm, dry weather has certainly helped and we are now 10% ahead of our customer budget and saw a 30% increase in visitor numbers compared to Whitsun last week. CELTIC QUEST COASTEERING, COASTAL VARIOUS VENUES Having only started trading in March, Whitsun Week was our first real tourist holiday. We had a number of group (4-6ppl) bookings who had planned their hols and booked in advance. There were also lots (20 ish) of individual and couple bookings. Most of which booked either on the day or a few days before the event. Most of the clients last week either found us on the internet or by word of mouth. Average spend was £40 pp. Clients ranged from an 8yr old and his dad to a 50th birthday surprise. Almost all knew nothing about coasteering, i.e. had never heard of it until now! Customers included a handful of locals (Pembs) and many English tourists One client came all the way to sunny Pembs from New Zealand, stayed in Manorbier YHA, came coasteering then was off to Birmingham (prior arrangement) but wished she could spend longer here.

Around 70% said they would be visiting the county again this summer and would book again. All said they would refer us to friends, colleagues, family etc. RAUL SPEEK GALLERY, NORTH It was a surprisingly good break – I think the first shock of media hype has worn off around the credit crunch. What we are finding is that there are a fair percentage of new visitors to Pembrokeshire; quite often we have repeat visitors who come to the area year after year but although they are still coming there is a new feel to who has discovered the beauties of our countryside and coast paths. Many of the new people are 40 to 60 year olds with no children and so have time to spare to look around galleries and sit in cafes. Have been working on making them feel really welcome so that they come back next year! Find knowing the area well and being able to suggest where to walk or what to see is encouraging for them and connects them to us. TENBY ART MUSEUM AND GALLERY, SOUTH The Whitsun weekend was, for Tenby Museum and Art Gallery, a fairly quiet time, particularly the Sunday. The main reason for this was the fantastic weather – we always miss out during periods of very warm weather to the beaches and other outdoor events, whereas on wet days people are glad to find an indoor attraction. Of the visitors who did come in, most were British taking advantage of the natural beauty of the area in the sunshine with many being the more mature adult perhaps looking for somewhere to get out of the heat. We had a popular art exhibition on at the museum which had opened on Friday 29 June so certain visitors made a special effort to come and see this. The one wet day we had during the week was a very good day for us which proves the weather point! LITTLE WEDLOCK GALLERY, SOUTH I had only two visitors to my gallery (I never get very many), one from England and one from the immediate locality. Both made substantial purchases. Carmarthenshire

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GLYN COCH CRAFT CENTRE Craft shop and pottery fairly quiet. Good weather and people go to beach! BLUE BADGE GUIDE Increased numbers than previous years due to cruise liner tours. Overseas visitors up by 386%. CARMARTHEN TIC Visitors to TIC up by 15%. Lots of overseas visitors. NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDEN Up on last year, busy bank holiday. PEMBREY COUNTRY PARK Weekend very busy. One of best weekends on record. WEST WALES MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Whitsun period busier than expected, pleased with business. Visitor numbers up 30% on last year, group visits well up compared to 08 and coming in at an encouraging rate.

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RESTAURANT SECTOR Pembrokeshire – feedback from only 2 in this sector Carmarthenshire – no feedback from this sector PEMBS General comments and trends • •

Just a few feeding back in this sector, two based in St. Davids, which was obviously booming, and the spend per head did not suffer any significant reduction. Festival in St. Davids (again Events important to tourism economy) had a hugely positive impact on the eating out experience.

Qualitative Data The period 22-31 May was very strong for us, but it always is, in fact probably the best single week in the year for St Davids, as it coincides with the Cathedral festival. From a tourism point of view it would be great if the festival could be moved to a week in June, but I suspect that the organisers wish to capitalise on the holiday period. I'd do the same in their position. The restaurant was full every night for this period (as it has been for the last three years), but I do feel I turned away more people this year than before, and the city did have a busier feel, although I can't quantify this. Overall spend per head (based on same menu prices from last year) were a smidge up, which is encouraging. Both April and May have turned out to be the best since we bought in 2005. However, I'm not confident about June. There seems to have been a mass evacuation, and last night was very quiet, and the diary does not look good for the rest of this week, or beyond. Things can change fast, and the season is basically off to a flying start. No moaning from us! Abereiddy business did really well over whitsun. Very busy & possibly marginally up on this time last year. to say we were 7% up on last year for the Whitsun period, which in the current climate when eating out is the 1st thing to go on everyone’s strained purse strings, is pretty good I’d say. St.Davids was heaving/booming/bustling – just like in August. It certainly felt like the tourists were staying in the uk and holidaying at home. Very positive feel all round St.Davids, just looking forward to school holidays now.

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SUPPLIER One Supplier member – Pembrokeshire Fudge – also fed back indicating that there were good sales over the past two weeks especially the weekends . Guest houses increased their orders recently due to the increase in number of guests.

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APPENDIX 1 Regional Member Feedback - Tourism Swansea Bay May and early June, Whitsun Period 2009 – for Swansea Bay area. During June – Tourism Swansea Bay asked Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Businesses in the Swansea Bay area for feedback on how business had been during, May and early June – the Whitsun Holiday Period 2009. Below is a list of the questions that we asked members. How was it for you? - What we'd like to hear from you. • • • • • •

How was May / the Whitsun period in relation to past years? Are you pleased with the business that you had? How were your occupancy levels / visitor numbers? How far in advance were the bookings made (if relevant)? Where were your guests / customers from? What are your thoughts on the numbers of overseas visitors in the county?

From these questions Tourism Swansea Bay has produced a snap shot / sample of how the industry in the Swansea Bay area has performed during this period. A total of 21 businesses contributed to the feedback. The information has been gathered from a variety of methods – email, meetings including; Focus Groups; Social events and phone calls. In summary, the trade is reporting a mixed review. The weather has played its part in increasing the number of visitors, while others are feeling the effects of the economic situation. Town and city accommodation providers have experienced a drop in visitors / guests, whilst more traditional holiday destinations have seen the same or a rise in visitors from last year. With camping in particular doing very well. Also the quality and price of the accommodation – visitors appear to be looking for good quality at a cheaper price. See below 2 emails from members only 3 miles apart. Business 1 May was down compared to last year - 32% on bed-nights occupied, but down only 13% on sales (as we had a price increase) Business is very poor Overseas numbers are 30% up (but its still a very small pool) the actual went from 30 to 39 bed nights The predicted boom of indigenous holiday makers just hasn't come (echoed by the WTYA small serviced sector forum meeting I attend) TUI have reported an 11% increase in overseas holidays!!!

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Business 2 I’m fully booked until 3rd October although bookings were later coming in this year. We were open for business in April. We only had 1 booking in April, none in early May, but have had full weeklong self-catering bookings every week from the 16th May.

Tourism Swansea Bay

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