MP for Mid & South Pembrokeshire Henry Tufnell spent tourism week meeting local businesses across the county to hear their success stories and concerns they have for the future - culminating in a trip to Tenby on a wet weekend, where he also met with members of the recently reformed Chamber of Trade.
Mr Tufnell started off with a visit to Heatherton World of Activities on the outskirts of Tenby, where he met owner Charles Davies and heard how the site was a former dairy and beef farm.
From there, he headed into the seaside town, meeting with County Councillor for Tenby’s South ward Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, and members of the Town Council to discuss Tenby Arts Events and other initiatives for the town.
Mr Tufnell said that he was encouraged to hear about the work of Tenby Arts Events in promoting creativity in schools and the community.
To conclude the visits, he met with Kath from the Little Pantry which is located inside the Old Market Hall, on High Street, and Matthew Ronowitz - who owns the Qube, Cove and Ronni’z restaurants inside the walled town to discuss more collaboration and community initiatives that support businesses into the future.
Mr. Tufnell said: “Pembrokeshire has a vibrant and diverse tourism industry that is key to jobs, growth and the year round opportunities we have in Pembrokeshire’.
“Businesses need support all year round and I would encourage local people to shop and buy local as much as possible. I look forward to working with our vibrant businesses over the coming months and years.
“Pembrokeshire is a diverse county with fantastic businesses that offer different products and services to those who live, work and visit here.
“I am determined to get Pembrokeshire businesses on the map, and to improve the links between businesses and local communities.”
Cllr Skyrme-Blackhall said: “Tourism is the lifeblood of our Town, for our business and people's jobs.
“It was good to have the opportunity to show our new MP some of the good things happening in Tenby and to highlight some of the issues and challenges that we face.”