Tourism in Montgomeryshire was put on the map this week as part of a national day celebrating bed and breakfasts.
Montgomeryshire MP, Glyn Davies, celebrated National Bed and Breakfast Day on Sunday as part of a national awareness campaign, visiting The Forest Country House B&B near Kerry.
The inaugural National B&B Day, on 24th March, was introduced to celebrate the unsung and independent heroes of the UK hospitality sector, with British Bed & Breakfast’s contributing more than £2 billion annually to the UK economy.
During the day, B&B’s and independent operators across the country offered a range of offers and deals, with the aim of encouraging holidaymakers to experience this growing sector and to experience an authentic and unique British break for themselves.
During his visit, Mr Davies talked with owners Paul and Michelle about some of the issues which are hurting the B&B sector, including high business rates in Wales and the domination of online travel booking websites.
Mr Davies said: “It was great to be able to mark the first National B&B Day on Saturday by visiting Paul & Michelle Martin at their luxury guesthouse, The Forest Country House B&B in Kerry. Paul & Michelle run a high class operation, and The Forest is a really good local business.
“During my visit, I was able to discuss some of the issues which are hurting Welsh B&B’s, including high business rates in Wales compared to their English counterparts. Many small tourist businesses in Wales are hit by high business rate bills, while similar sized England based business are exempt.
“Another development, taking millions of pounds out of the Welsh economy is the dominance of booking arrangements by online travel booking websites, with the huge growth in US based Internet sites. Personally, I always book direct and never use sites such as Expedia and Booking.com. I also wonder how much tax these US based Internet companies are contributing to the UK Exchequer.
“B&B’s have been a bedrock of the tourism industry in Rural Wales for many years. We need to ensure that they receive the support needed to continue their revival and attract tourists from around the world.”
