Carmarthenshire County Council is bringing together local voices to help shape the future of tourism in our county — and they’re inviting businesses, attractions, community groups and sector partners to join a brand-new Sustainable Tourism Forum (STF).
Tourism is one of Carmarthenshire’s greatest strengths — from our coastline and countryside to our heritage sites, markets, events and independent businesses. This new forum is an opportunity to make sure those who live, work and invest in our communities have a direct say in how the sector grows sustainably for years to come.
What the Forum Will Do: -
The STF will bring together expertise from across the sector to: -
1. Work directly with the Council on practical issues, opportunities and local challenges.
2. Share insight to support long-term tourism planning and economic growth.
3. Discuss the local impact of national policy decisions.
4. Strengthen communication across public, private and community organisations.
Members will be asked to contribute their experience, provide feedback on draft plans and projects, highlight emerging issues, and help identify new opportunities that benefit Carmarthenshire.
Who Can Join?...The Council is looking for a balanced mix of representation from across the tourism sector, including: -
* Hotels (independent & chain).
* B&Bs, guesthouses & self-catering.
*Caravan, camping & hostel operators.
* Pubs & restaurants.
*Events & festivals.
*Visitor attractions (paid-for venues).
*Retail businesses linked to the visitor economy.
Partners from Natural Resources Wales, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, Welsh Government/CADW, and local Town & Community Councils will also be involved — ensuring joined-up thinking across the county.
Why This Matters for Carmarthenshire.
A strong, collaborative tourism forum means: -
* Better support for local businesses.
* More sustainable approaches to visitor management.
* Stronger economic benefits for our communities.
* Co-ordinated planning that protects what makes Carmarthenshire special.
* A united voice for the sector when responding to national policy and funding.Get Involved.............
If you’re part of Carmarthenshire’s tourism scene — whether you run a business, manage an attraction, or represent a local organisation — this is a fantastic chance to help steer the county’s tourism future.
How to become a member...Please send your name, contact details, the category you are interested in representing and in no more than 200 words, the experience and value you would bring to the forum via email to tourism@carmarthenshire.gov.uk. If you would like further information or an informal discussion, please contact Huw Parsons via 07733 102318. Expressions of interest are now open.
Let’s build a forum that reflects the very best of what Carmarthenshire has to offer.
Cllr. Michael Thomas07852174186www.councillormichaelthomas.comwww.tiktok.com/@cllrmichaelthttps://www.instagram.com/cllrmichaelt/
