AN ORGANISATION which represents all sectors of the tourism industry in Wales is calling for Visit Wales, the Welsh government’s tourism arm, to be adequately staffed and resourced to carry out its role.

The Wales Tourism Alliance (WTA) makes the call in a briefing document for political parties, Assembly Members and prospective candidates in the run up to the National Assembly for Wales’ elections next May.

The WTA and its members plan to lobby all prospective candidates in Wales to reinforce the message about the tourism industry being the mainstay of the Welsh economy.

One in every seven jobs in Wales is in tourism or dependent on the industry, which has 18,000 businesses.

“Welsh government support through Visit Wales is vital if the industry is to realise its growth potential as is its responsibility to maintain a business friendly climate,” says the briefing document.

The WTA is calling for “productive working relations” between the next Welsh government and the Westminster government on decisions that impact the tourism industry in Wales.

“Productive working relations with the Westminster government are important if we are to realise the growth potential of the industry, particularly in overseas markets,” says the WTA.

“Working in partnership with government, the industry can make an even greater contribution to the well-being of Wales.”

The WTA is keen to develop relationships with all relevant government departments whose work impacts the tourism industry.

The WTA is busy planning for 2016, with Wales Tourism Week set to take place from February 29 to March 6.

The week is an annual celebration of the contribution the tourism industry in Wales makes to the wealth and well-being of the nation.

The organisation has also expressed concern about the issue of a localised tourism tax on foreign visitors, which was raised in the Welsh Local Government Association election manifesto.

The WTA believes the tax would add an unnecessary extra burden on the industry, which already had to pay more VAT than European competitors and was preparing for the introduction of the National Living Wage from April, 2016.