Oakwood Park’s closure sparks fears for Welsh tourism, with politicians raising concerns about future impact.
Tourism employs over 20% in Pembrokeshire and this closure will hurt the local economy. Government decisions may hurt tourism businesses, including tax hikes and occupancy rules. A tourism tax proposal adds to the strain.
Mark Drakeford denied these policies were harmful, but the industry can’t handle so many changes at once. Many areas rely on tourist jobs, and people might leave without tourism work. The Alliance fears Oakwood is just the start.
Sam Kurtz raised the issue at the Senedd, mentioning Oakwood is special to many people in Wales. Aspro cited economic challenges for the closure. They invested £25 million, including Megafobia.
National insurance, food costs, and parts factored in. Kurtz questioned the budget’s impact on Aspro’s choice. He also questioned the effect of a tourism tax. Kurtz asked about support for affected workers, stating staff are vital to attractions like Oakwood.
He wants help finding a new buyer for the site, emphasizing a derelict site would be bad. Kurtz hopes this isn’t a trend, and wants a tourism summit with large attractions to discuss what affects them after Oakwood.
The goal is to support tourism across Wales. Rebecca Evans called it a “sad day”, mentioning that many have happy memories of Oakwood.
The business cited costs in all areas, included electricity and ride parts. Evans said this issue wasn’t Wales-specific, stating that the Welsh Government can’t affect those wider issues directly. She said the main concern is for the staff.
The government will support workers facing job loss and will provide advice and support. “Big Ideas Wales” could help young workers. The government wants to avoid a derelict site.
They are talking to potential buyers, and the government will help facilitate a quick sale, contributing to discussions. A large tourism summit is planned for March 27. It is a Welsh Government conference, and Visit Wales will host the event.
Major attractions will attend, and sustainability and resilience will be key topics. Cefin Campbell echoed the disappointment, noting the news of Oakwood’s closure was sudden and focused on the affected staff, too.
Oakwood boosted the local economy, benefiting supply and hospitality businesses. Oakwood faced safety issues recently, and they may have underinvested in its appeal. Campbell asked when the government knew of the issues and what support they could offer the park owners. He supports working with new buyers, emphasizing the site shouldn’t close permanently.