Although tourism operators have been encouraged by excellent Whitsun and Easter visitor numbers, they are still working against a background of legislation which can sometimes hamper entrepreneurial spirit.

Welsh heritage minister, Alun Ffred Jones began his Pembrokeshire visit on Thursday with a breakfast meeting with directors of Pembrokeshire Tourism and industry representatives.

Issues raised included rural rate relief, fire regulations, and the need for the Welsh Assembly Government to assist Pembrokeshire Tourism to take forward the issue of carbon reduction within the tourism sector.

Pembrokeshire Tourism chairman Nick Evans said it was 'extremely useful' to meet Mr Jones.

"We were able to keep him abreast of the legislative quagmire which members have to wade through, and he shared our concern of the potential effect on the industry of the recent tax changes for owners of furnished holiday lettings," he said.

Conservative MP Stephen Crabb and AM Paul Davies were recently joined on a north Pembrokeshire fact-finding tour by Pembrokeshire Tourism directors, Pembrokeshire County Council's tourism officer, Alan Turner; the authority's cabinet member for leisure services, Councillor Rob Lewis and James Parkin of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

They were able to see the significant investment being made in Pembrokeshire by the Retreats Group, which is working closely with local architects, builders and suppliers to tranform Roch Castle into a luxury getaway destination.

A taste of the outdoors came with a visit to Pembrokeshire Sheepdogs near St Davids, where Stephen Crabb was persuaded to try out some shepherding skills, before tea at The Farmers Arms, Mathry, where publican Brian Farmer shared his views on rural rates relief, constant taxation and legislation.

He shared the view of Paul Davies that the Welsh Assembly Government should work to protect and promote pubs, particularly in rural areas.

Stephen Crabb welcomed the opportunity to speak to tourism operators and praised Pembrokeshire Tourism for its 'one voice' approach to campaigning and promotion. The organisation will also be taking Labour politicians on a similar county-wide tour next month.

"Tourism is vital to the local economy, and it is right that politicians at all levels listen to what the sector is saying," he said.

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