Host Gemma Casey is joined by David Chapman, UKHospitality Cymru; Neil Kedward, Seren Collection and Routescape and Damien Martin, The Parkgate Hotel, to consider how changes to employer National Insurance Contributions, minimum wage increases and ongoing uncertainty around business rates are adding up to a challenging time for the tourism and hospitality sectors, and to discuss how the industry can capitalise on a trend for ‘events tourism’.

With the tourism and hospitality sectors in Wales facing significant challenges, we consider the outlook for 2025. Host Carwyn Jones is joined by Rowland Rees-Evans, Chair of the Wales Tourism Alliance; Professor Claire Haven-Tang, Professor of Destination Development at Cardiff Metropolitan University; and Matt Barnby, Regional Operations Director of The Celtic Collection, to discuss how tourism and hospitality businesses can continue to provide a warm Welsh welcome to visitors, the support they need to overcome challenges and the opportunities to grow the sector.

The Christmas and New Year periods are a traditionally busy and profitable time for hospitality businesses. As 2024 comes to an end, the sector faces numerous challenges that may impact operations and revenue – so how are they coping? Host Carwyn Jones is joined by Ade Andrews, Cluster General Manager at the Celtic Collection, Nick Newman, Area Manager for Croeso Pubs Ltd, restaurateur Cerys Furlong, and David Chapman, Executive Director of UKHospitality Cymru.