Tourism dip a blip, says hotelier

The Harbourmaster Hotel in Aberaeron has won awards

An award-winning hotelier in Ceredigion says he is optimistic about the future even though figures showing trips to Wales fell by nearly 8% last year.

Glyn Heulyn and his wife Menna run the Harbourmaster Hotel in the popular little seaside town of Aberaeron.

Mr Heulyn said there were dips in trade in 2007, but a strong Euro could signal an influx of visitors from overseas this summer.

He added that people in the UK may decide to holiday at home too.

Results of the UK Tourism Survey 2007, which measures stays by UK residents, shows that the number of tourism trips to Wales was down by almost 8% - from 9.61m in 2006 to 8.85m in 2007.

Provisional figures for overseas tourists show that almost one million people visited Wales from outside the UK, a decrease of 12% on the 2006 total of 1,136,000 - which was a record year for Wales.

We like the landscape, the culture, the relaxed atmosphere and the friendliness of the people Tourist Michael Elbel from Germany

In addition, total tourism expenditure fell by some 13% from �1.633bn last year to �1.418bn.

In the popular seaside town of Aberaeron, 2007 was no different to anywhere else. The weather was poor and, at times, it was quieter, said Mr Heulyn.

"We were extremely busy and still are, although there were quieter periods last year," he said.

"I think there are less tourists about at the moment and the general feeling in Aberaeon that it is quieter, but we continue to be busy because people tend to book in advance with us."

He added that he was positive about the future.

"I am pretty positive because the strength of the Euro against the pound may encourage more people from the continent to holiday in the UK.

"More people from the UK might stay at home too instead of taking breaks abroad."

Michael and Rita Elbel, from near Munich in Germany, are staying in Bala in Snowdonia, and visited Aberaeron on Monday.

"This is the second time in three years we have visited Wales," said Mr Elbel.

One house in every four is listed in Aberaeron, says Ceredigion Council

'Relaxed atmosphere'

"We decided to come back because we did not see enough the first time."

Asked what they liked about Wales, Mr Elbel added: "It's a combination of things. We like the landscape, the culture, the relaxed atmosphere and the friendliness of the people.

"The prices for accommodation don't seem to have risen since our last visit in 2005 either."

Mr Elbel added that a strong euro could encourage more visitors from the continent to visit the UK this summer.

Audrey Whitefield, from Higher Kinnerton near Chester and Margaret Harland, from Leeds, visit their sister Joan Norris, from Penparc, Cardigan, every year.

Mrs Harland said: "We like Aberaeron because it's a clean, fresh place and the houses look lovely.

"I think seaside towns should be optimistic for the future."

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