CARMARTHENSHIRE County Council is asking businesses, attractions and organisations from the tourism sector to join a new Sustainable tourism Forum (STF).

Developed to support the sector in Carmarthenshire, the STF will aim to:

– Involve key partners in the Council’s work within the tourism sector, including practical operational matters, challenges and opportunities;

– Gain insight from members to support the planning and delivery of strategies and activities assist sustained growth in quality and economic impact;

– Discuss local impact and any required actions for national policy decisions as well as wider sector issues;

– Provide an effective two-way communication process between different segments of the tourism sector, private, public and community.

Members of the STF will represent the tourism sector, providing valuable insight through their expertise, experience and views and will be asked to provide feedback and comment on project work/draft guidance, consider and advise on potential opportunities or issues in the sector and communicate the work of the forum to others in the segment they represent as well as proposing topics for discussion.

To provide a full and balanced Forum, representation from the following backgrounds is encouraged: Hotels (chain and independent); B&B/guesthouse and self-catering accommodation; Caravan/camping/hostels; Public house/restaurant; Events; Attractions and places to visit (paid for); Retail.

Members from the Public and community sector will also be involved in the Forum including Natural Resources Wales, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and Welsh Government/CADW as well as local town and Community Councils. County Council officers from relevant teams will also take part when required.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans, said: “The new Sustainable Tourism Forum will provide an excellent opportunity for representatives from the tourism sector in Carmarthenshire to have their say on decisions that directly impact their sector.

We are seeking volunteers to join the Forum which will meet at least twice a year, chaired by myself, to provide a valuable insight into the sector.”

For more information on joining the Sustainable Tourism Forum, visit Carmarthenshire County Council’s website.