Calls for fresh debate on ‘uncontrolled tourism’ in North Wales amid claims it’s killing communities
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Claims that “uncontrolled overtourism” is “killing communities” has sparked calls for a fresh debate on Wales’ relationship with the tourism industry.
Welsh language pressure group Cylch yr Iaith says a review on what the future of tourism should look like is needed following scenes of rows of cars blocking highways at some of North Wales’ best loved beauty spots, including Snowdonia.
According to the Welsh Government, the sector is estimated to bring in more than £3bn of economic benefit every year, making up around 9.5% of the Welsh workforce by employing over 100,000 people.
But Cylch yr Iaith says decades of tourism promotion by central and local governments has resulted in “uncontrolled overtourism,” which they say emphasises attracting the most visitors “over the environmental, social or cultural expense.”
Further consideration is needed, they say, on whether “drowning locals in visitors” brings any lasting economic benefit.
Responding to the group’s claims, Gwynedd’s head of economic development described tourism as one of the county’s main economic sectors and an important employer locally.
He conceded, however, that the increase in the numbers of people visiting the county puts “significant pressure” on local infrastructure.
As part of the measures to mitigate this, Cllr Gareth Thomas has outlined plans to create a new Tourism and Destination Management Plan for the county, based on a sustainable model.
“It will seek to improve the sector’s contribution to the communities and economy of Gwynedd, provides high quality jobs for local people as well as supporting the county’s environment, language, culture and destinations,” said Cllr Thomas.
“The scenes witnessed on some roads in Snowdonia in recent weekends has been totally unacceptable and showed a distinct lack of respect for communities.
“As a short-term measure, we have worked with the Snowdonia National Park Authority and North Wales Police to put measures in place to encourage those travelling to the area to use the numerous car-parks available in the area as well as the designated Sherpa bus which link with the main Snowdon summit routes.
“Those who ignore this advice will face on-the-spot fines or being towed away.
“However, we recognise the need for a more long-term approach, and the Snowdon Partnership has commissioned a parking and transport review looking at how we can develop sustainable longer-term solutions. Initial recommendations from this work are expected in the coming weeks.”
He added: “Following the Welsh Government’s easing of lockdown measures, it is so important that those who do visit our stunning locations do so with respect and patience.
“As a council, we aim to market the area outside the more traditional tourism season, to extend employment opportunities the sector can offer throughout the year.
“At present, we are encouraging those who do choose to visit the area to do so safely. To be patient when they are in the area, to treat our communities with respect and to plan any visits in advance.”
But Howard Huws of Cylch yr Iaith said that scenes such a packed Eryri (Snowdonia), was an example of tourism “opening up an area for visitors and closing it for natives.”
He said: “If local people wanted to visit these places, their own habitat, they couldn’t in the absence of any parking space.
“If they wanted to buy a home in a popular tourist spot, they couldn’t, because the demand for holiday and holiday homes pushed the price beyond their resources.
“If they wanted a job there, it is not available, because tourism stifles any competition for development resources.”
The group is now calling on the Welsh Government to take action, including the development of alternative “more consistent and more reliable means of subsistence.”
They also spoke of a need to intervene in the housing market to ensure that second homes and holiday accommodation do not exceed 10% of the stock of any particular community.
“For decades, governments and local authorities have ignored expert testimony about the dangers of overtourism and holiday homes,” added Mr Huws.
“Now the situation has been exposed to them in a way that they cannot ignore.”
He added: “Overtourism kills our communities, and those most responsible for this are the ones who are least willing to admit it and stop it.
“The influence of the tourism market is enormous, and there’s ample evidence that it is increasing the numbers of second homes and non-Welsh speaking incomers: yet its promoters – mostly English businesses – deny it causes any harm.
“The Welsh Government and local authorities have set it as a cornerstone of the Welsh economy and are entrenched in a state of economic dependence.
“Now as its effects become more apparent, they are offering ridiculously superficial solutions, such as building more car parks.
“That is, destroying the very environment that attracts the visitors, in order to accommodate more of them.”
He concluded: “Nothing could so well illustrate how foolish it is to promote tourism as a means of sustaining a community and country, how slow and inadequate the response to its after-effects is, and how disastrous the lack of vision and lack of effort to provide alternative means of maintenance.”
On holiday homes Gwynedd Council has been a vocal proponent of action in the field, having urged the Welsh Government to give them the necessary tools to solve the county’s “housing crisis”.
Around 40% of houses currently sold in the county are either holiday homes or “buy to lets,” highlighting long-standing complaints that house prices in parts of north west Wales are well beyond the reach of most locals.
But with some 10% of Gwynedd’s housing stock currently used as second homes, cabinet members have reiterated the need for outside help in tackling the “hidden homelessness” present in the region.
Cllr Thomas added: “In terms of the impact of holiday homes on the local property market, Welsh Councils currently have very limited powers to intervene.
“Whilst other countries have introduced sensible changes to manage use, no such changes have been made here in Wales.
“As part of our efforts to look at managing the use of open market housing as holiday homes, Gwynedd Council is undertaking research work with the support of Wales’ Royal Town Planning Institute.
“This includes researching the situation in other countries and considering possible options that could be introduced in Wales.
“Whilst recognising the importance of the tourism sector to the local economy, we must consider the impact on the local housing provision and communities.
“We believe that the research currently being undertaken will offer sensible options that can be introduced in Wales as has been done in other countries in recent years.
“At present, it is expected that a report on the findings will be considered in October 2020.”
A Welsh Government spokesman said: “Tourism is an important sector for the Welsh economy.
“Our Welcome to Wales tourism strategy is committed to developing the sector for the benefit of the country, where offering high quality, year-round experiences that benefit both visitors and their host communities is central to the strategy. ”
By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter
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