There are fears that the closure of one of the 海角视频's biggest theme parks could merely be "the tip of the iceberg" when it comes to the long-term future of the tourism industry in Wales. Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire has attracted tourists of all ages since it first opened in 1987, drawing in visitors from across Wales and beyond.
But in a shock announcement on Tuesday, the site's owner Aspro Parks confirmed that Oakwood would not open in 2025 and was closing for good. The Spanish company bought the theme park in 2008 from the McNamara family, who have since gone on to open and develop another of Pembrokreshire's key attractions, Bluestone Resort, located next door. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.
Together the two sites, along with nearby Folly Farm among others, made west Wales a huge draw for families from across the 海角视频. Tuesday's announcement has naturally brought sadness over confirmed job losses, but also deeper concern about the wider impact that the closure could have.
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According to its LinkedIn profile Oakwood employed up to 200 people during its open season, typically between April and November. Samuel Kurtz, member of the Senedd (MS) for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, has said he has been in touch with a local business who may be able to offer employment to some of those affected, while the Welsh Government said on Wednesday that it is "ready to offer support to the workforce affected by this decision" although precise details of the nature of that support have not been confirmed.
Aside from job losses, what of the wider impact on tourism in a part of Wales which absolutely depends on it? It could be huge, according to the Wales Tourism Allowance (WTA), which aims to provide a collective voice to highlight the views of the tourism industry to the Welsh Government and beyond.
"This is disappointing news for Welsh tourism and jobs", a spokeswoman for the WTA said. "In Pembrokeshire over 20% of working people are employed in tourism and hospitality, so this closure won't just impact the Park's employees, it will negatively affect the local economy as a whole. A combination of Welsh Government and 海角视频 Government decisions including increased national insurance, council tax premiums, 182-day minimum occupancy for holiday lets and proposals for the Welsh visitor levy (tourist tax) risk seriously damaging the Welsh tourism and hospitality industry which contributes £3.8bn to the Welsh economy annually.
"In a recent evidence session to the Senedd finance committee, Mark Drakeford MS denied that these policies would be having a cumulative effect on the tourism industry. It is surely becoming obvious that a single sector cannot swallow so many changes without there being a cumulative - and wide-ranging - effect which will filter out to the whole economy. Many parts of Wales are reliant on tourism and have limited alternative employment opportunities. This means that without jobs in tourism and hospitality local people may be forced to leave their communities in search of work. We fear that this closure is just the tip of the iceberg for Welsh tourism."
Also worried about a "challenging trading environment" gripping the tourism industry at the moment is Emma Thornton, the chief executive officer of Visit Pembrokeshire. She said: "It is with tremendous sadness that we received the news of Oakwood's immediate closure yesterday evening. As Wales's largest Family Adventure Theme part Oakwood has been part of the tourism landscape in Pembrokeshire for over 40 years, a key attraction for visitors and residents alike and part of our tourism heritage. Our hearts go out to all the staff, suppliers and contractors who will be impacted by its closure. It's a stark reminder of the challenging trading environment currently being experienced. Against this backdrop Visit Pembrokeshire continues to work hard to support our tourism sector and to raise the profile of Pembrokeshire as a world class destination."
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At the coalface of the industry, there is hope that Oakwood's closure will not have a damaging impact on visitor numbers. "I don't think it made much of an impact on us," said Matt Gardner, owner of Quarry Park Camping, a popular site around five miles from Oakwood. "In recent years Oakwood has had a pretty bad press and the ride selection has been poor, with rides being closed and so on. A lot of people chose not to go there. I think if people wanted to spend a lot of money on a family attraction they would drive past it and go to Folly Farm or somewhere else. I don't think it's going to make a massive difference. Pembrokeshire has enough to draw people in. There are huge things on offer here which bypass Oakwood. We are an outdoors county, it's a naturally beautiful county. I don't think Oakwood was the big draw."
Gareth Gamage, who owns The Folly, a campsite around half a mile from Oakwood, agreed. "There's been a decline (at Oakwood) in the last few years. It has not been the 'go to' place and Bluestone and Folly Farm still attract people here - there's something for everyone at Folly Farm whether it's wet or dry."
As well the loss of jobs at Oakwood, there will be intrigue about what happens to the land that once welcomed thousands of visitors every year. It's a vast space, one that overlooks the hugely popular Bluestone Resort. Nobody from the resort was available on Wednesday to answer specific questions about its neighbouring attraction's demise, but a spokeswoman did say: "We're saddened to hear the news about Oakwood Theme Park, which has been a much-loved attraction in Pembrokeshire for many years. As a neighbour, we recognise its contribution to local tourism and the many memories it has created for visitors and residents alike. At Bluestone, we remain focused on delivering high-quality experiences for our guests and supporting the continued success of Pembrokeshire's tourism economy."
Local MS Samuel Kurtz said Oakwood's closure is an example of the "challenges" facing those trying to run businesses in the tourism industry in Wales. He said: "This is deeply sad news. Oakwood has held a special place in the hearts of many in Pembrokeshire and from further afield and many happy memories have been made there over the years. However, it's a sad reflection of the challenges facing the tourism sector and the wider economy given Labour's mismanagement at both ends of the M4. Increases to National Insurance contributions, high energy costs and the shadow cast by the proposed Tourism Tax make it a very nervous time for the sector.
"While Oakwood has long been part of our diverse and exciting tourism offer in west Wales, we continue to have amazing tourism attractions and hospitality venues who I know will be working hard to welcome people to the area. I've submitted a Topical Question in the Senedd to ask what support is being made available to staff, and I've already spoken to local businesses who are keen to employee those losing their jobs. However, if anyone is impacted by this closure then I urge them contact me on samuel.kurtz@senedd.wales and my office will do all that it can to assist."
A Welsh Government spokeswoman said: "This is clearly distressing news for the employees of Oakwood, their families and their local communities. We stand ready to offer support to the workforce affected by this decision."
On Wednesday a petition was launched in an attempt to save the theme park, highlighting the "opportunity to draft a plan for Oakwood's revival" during a consultation period. The petition reads: "We must demand that the Welsh Government step up, recognise the importance of Oakwood, and work to restore it before it becomes another lost piece of our national heritage."