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Retail & Consumer

Tourism can be 'force for good' in Wales but holiday cottage boss says must listen to concerns

Gwion Llwyd, owner of Dioni Holiday Cottages in Gwynedd, says tourism can help create prosperous economy

Gwion Llwyd and the team at Dioni Holiday Cottages(Image: Dioni Self Catering Ltd)

Tourism can be a "force for good" in Wales says a holiday cottage boss but that the sector has to listen to community concerns.

The sector is a major employer in North Wales - particularly in counties like Anglesey, Gwynedd and Conwy.

But while it brings jobs and investment there are concerns about the sector's impact.

Among the criticisms aimed at the sector are the added pressures on local infrastructure, impact on house prices of second homes and generally low wages in the industry.

Covid has exacerbated tensions between visitors and some local residents and led to claims of a "go away attitude".

Gwion Llwyd, owner of Dioni Holiday Cottages in Gwynedd, believes the sector is good for the country but operators had to listen to concerns expressed and "improve practices" where needed.

He said: "This period has given a lot of us more time to reflect and take stock of things, and perhaps it’s a good opportunity for our sector to identify areas where we can improve and evolve.

“For me personally, the pandemic has highlighted how lucky we are to have such a strong sense of community here in North Wales.