On Wednesday, 25th May 2022 UK Theatre appeared in front of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee. The Westminster Parliamentary Committee had invited UK Theatre to provide oral evidence to their ongoing inquiry looking at Wales as a global tourist destination.
Louise Miles-Payne (UK Theatre Board member and Director of Creu Cymru) represented UK Theatre in front of the Committee alongside delegates from the Wales Millennium Centre, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Green Man Festival, and Welsh Sports Association.
During the session MPs asked about a range of issues affecting the Welsh domestic and international tourism industry. These included the contribution of theatre to Wales’s international brand; the work of VisitBritain and Visit Wales; and travel infrastructure across the country.
Louise put forward a strong case for Welsh theatre and how a vibrant and thriving cultural sector has – and can continue to – put Wales on the map for international tourists. Key points during the session include:
- ·Data from VisitBritain shows that 5% of all international visitors to Wales visit the theatre at least once during their stay. That’s more than visit football matches, festivals, or live music events.
- ·The strong relationship between UK Theatre and VisitBritain and a hope that a similar relationship could be built with Visit Wales and Welsh theatres.
- ·The need for culture to be a priority area for Welsh tourism and not to be overlooked, particularly as Wales seeks to rebuild its international standing post-COVID 19.
- ·Highlighting the excellent homegrown productions reflecting Welsh culture – including by Creu Cymru, National Theatre Wales, and Welsh National Opera – as well as playing host to UK tours of Olivier and Tony-award winning shows.
- ·Emphasising the need for increased transport infrastructure, including the offers at Cardiff, Manchester, and Birmingham airports and public transport options outside cities and town centres.
You can read the full transcript of the Committee inquiry or watch the session on the Committee’s website here. Members can find out more about out public affairs work and read our written submission in the Members’ Area here.
On Wednesday, 25th May 2022 UK Theatre appeared in front of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee. The Westminster Parliamentary Committee had invited UK Theatre to provide oral evidence to their ongoing inquiry looking at Wales as a global tourist destination.
Louise Miles-Payne (UK Theatre Board member and Director of Creu Cymru) represented UK Theatre in front of the Committee alongside delegates from the Wales Millennium Centre, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Green Man Festival, and Welsh Sports Association.
During the session MPs asked about a range of issues affecting the Welsh domestic and international tourism industry. These included the contribution of theatre to Wales’s international brand; the work of VisitBritain and Visit Wales; and travel infrastructure across the country.
Louise put forward a strong case for Welsh theatre and how a vibrant and thriving cultural sector has – and can continue to – put Wales on the map for international tourists. Key points during the session include:
- ·Data from VisitBritain shows that 5% of all international visitors to Wales visit the theatre at least once during their stay. That’s more than visit football matches, festivals, or live music events.
- ·The strong relationship between UK Theatre and VisitBritain and a hope that a similar relationship could be built with Visit Wales and Welsh theatres.
- ·The need for culture to be a priority area for Welsh tourism and not to be overlooked, particularly as Wales seeks to rebuild its international standing post-COVID 19.
- ·Highlighting the excellent homegrown productions reflecting Welsh culture – including by Creu Cymru, National Theatre Wales, and Welsh National Opera – as well as playing host to UK tours of Olivier and Tony-award winning shows.
- ·Emphasising the need for increased transport infrastructure, including the offers at Cardiff, Manchester, and Birmingham airports and public transport options outside cities and town centres.
You can read the full transcript of the Committee inquiry or watch the session on the Committee’s website here. Members can find out more about out public affairs work and read our written submission in the Members’ Area here.
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