The general election trail led Mid and South Pembrokeshire Conservative candidate Stephen Crabb to Tenby, where he met with members of the recently reformed Chamber of Trade to delve into the crucial topics of tourism for the locality.

Mr Crabb was joined by Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Sam Kurtz whilst out canvassing, which culminated in a meeting hosted by The Qube Restaurant on Tudor Square, where members of the Chamber of Trade were welcomed to join in with talks.

Stay Pembrokeshire’s founder and director Lloyd Ravenscroft, who was joined by Tom Beynon and Matthew Ronowitz (both board directors of Discover Pembrokeshire), said: “We were honoured to have Stephen Crabb and Samuel Kurtz MS in attendance. They engaged in meaningful discussions on several important topics, including the impacts on the second home tax premium, tourism, and the local economy.

“Also focusing on the long-term effects these issues have on businesses and employment in our community.

“It was an honour for me to deliver the opening speech, sharing insightful real-time data on the occupancy statistics of the 5,900 holiday homes I monitor in Pembrokeshire,” continued Lloyd.

The meeting delved into crucial topics such as tourism, the economy, the 182-night parameter, and their potential long-term effects on our local economy, businesses, and employment.

Crabb and Betty caswell
The Conservative politicians met with 97-year-old local resident Betty Caswell who helped them put the world to rights! (Facebook)

Stephen Crabb said: “Covered a lot of ground in the discussion, from taxes on business to how Tenby and Pembrokeshire is promoted nationally; followed by a walkabout of the town centre, with lots of good conversations with local residents and traders. Great to see so much pride in the town. Tenby was looking fabulous in the morning sunshine!”

Sam Kurtz remarked: “A successful business community is so important to our prosperity and it’s what makes our towns tick. Lots to be proud of in West Wales.”

The same week saw Crabb and Kurtz join local Conservative county councillor for the St Mary Out Liberty and St Florence wards Rhys Jordan - out and about in Saundersfoot and New Hedges - where they also met with 97-year-old local resident Betty Caswell who helped them put the world to rights!