A winter wage subsidy, innovation hub and subsidised business space are all part of a six figure package to support tourism in a North Wales resort.
Llandudno secured £825,000 in 海角视频 Government Community Renewal Fund cash for a Tourism Innovation Hub.
The project includes financial incentives designed to boost business and encourage innovation within the town’s already vibrant visitor economy.
Busnes@LlandrilloMenai will lead the project, which will run from January until June 2022.
It will build on the international reputation of the town as a holiday destination, aid recovery from the impact of Covid-19 and address some of the key challenges the industry faces, in particular attracting talent for the future.
Part of this will be £400,000 for a winter wage subsidy so that hotels and other tourism businesses in the town can retain staff out of season.
The idea is that the grant will help pay towards the wages of some staff in the low season and in return employers commit to undertaking innovative activity associated with their business. Part of this could be trying to develop that 12 months a year custom.
The project also aims to deliver:
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Innovation Hub – a town centre co-working space where businesses meet to innovate.
Innovation Programme – Activities that address emerging themes within the sector including Reinvigorating Towns Through Tourism, Net Zero Tourism, Building Talent for the Future and Extending the Season.
‘Pop-up’ Premises - In partnership with Mostyn Estates subsidised new business premises will be made available, including shop units to market test new products and business ventures.
Building a Talent Network – Activities to engage key tourism providers and the broader tourism sector. Working in a partnership approach, formulating targeted training and skills development to address the recruitment challenge and make the industry a more appealing career proposition.
Chris Owens, managing director of bus firm Alpine of North Wales, said: “It cannot be denied that the staycation phenomenon of 2020/21 has thrust the resort of Llandudno to centre stage as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the 海角视频.
“If, as a destination, we wish to capitalise on the benefits of this increased popularity and exposure, we must ensure that both the town itself as well as its many businesses are equipped with the necessary skills to make this a reality. I am delighted to learn that this bid has been successful and we now have a very short window of opportunity to turn our dream into reality.”
Busnes@LlandrilloMenai will deliver the project with partners Mostyn Estates and Conwy County Borough Council.
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Edward Hiller, Mostyn Estates director, said: “Llandudno’s hospitality industry has rarely faced such challenges as now and expected over the next few years. There is a perception that working in the industry involves long hours, seasonal work with limited scope for progression - this has had an impact on recruitment.
"With North Wales more in demand than ever before we need to focus now on improving the skills of those connected to it to develop innovative solutions, so that the town is able to go forward as a class leading resort.
“I am really pleased this bid has been successful and we can start the work right now.”
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