Poor broadband and mobile signal ‘costing rural Welsh tourism millions’

A UK‑wide study by VodafoneThree estimates that tourism‑related small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) in Wales are losing up to £69 million annually in potential revenue due to patchy connectivity.

The research looked at 50 UK staycation hotspots — including Tenby, Porthcawl and New Quay — and found that better broadband and mobile signal could boost takings for Welsh tourism traders by thousands of pounds each year.

While the study focused on named destinations, the findings are likely to apply to other rural and coastal areas in South West Wales, such as Gower, Laugharne, Saundersfoot and the Pembrokeshire Coast, where visitors often report poor signal and slow internet speeds.

Impact on local businesses

According to the research, 17% of Welsh tourism SMEs said poor connectivity stopped them taking full advantage of this year’s extra footfall, while 7% said they actually lost business because of it.

With more than two‑thirds of tourism businesses relying on social media to attract customers, poor signal can limit marketing reach, slow down online bookings and payments, and frustrate visitors expecting reliable Wi‑Fi.

The report suggests that with improved connectivity, many businesses would:

• Increase social media marketing
• Offer better customer Wi‑Fi
• Introduce online booking or virtual queuing systems
• Use AI‑powered customer support tools

Potential gains

The study estimates that:

• Tenby’s 210 tourism SMEs could each gain around £34,000 a year with better connectivity
• Porthcawl’s 235 SMEs could see an extra £42,000 each
• New Quay’s 110 traders could gain nearly £40,000 each

Applied to similar‑sized destinations in South West Wales, the figures suggest a significant untapped economic boost for the region’s tourism sector.

Andrea Donà, Chief Network Officer at VodafoneThree, said:

“Tourism plays a critical role in boosting local economies across the UK, with improved connectivity accelerating their growth to the tune of £1.5 billion a year. That’s why we’re investing £11 billion in building a network that provides reliable, quality connectivity to all corners of the UK — particularly in rural and coastal areas where demand surges during the summer months.”

#Gower #Laugharne #mobileSignal #NewQuay #phoneSignal #Porthcawl #Saundersfoot #Technology #Tenby #tourism #Vodafone #VodafoneThree

Free children’s entry to Cadw sites this weekend to mark Owain Glyndŵr Day

The annual commemoration on 16 September marks the day in 1400 when Glyndŵr was proclaimed Prince of Wales by his followers, sparking a 15‑year uprising against the rule of Henry IV. Although the rebellion was ultimately unsuccessful, it became a defining moment in Welsh history, inspiring a renewed sense of identity and pride.

Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, cares for hundreds of sites across Wales — including several besieged by Glyndŵr during his campaign, such as Coety, Dinefwr and Kidwelly castles.

Minister for Culture Jack Sargeant said:

“Owain Glyndŵr remains one of Wales’ most forthright figures, whose legacy continues to shape our national identity today. By offering free access to children at Cadw’s sites in his name, we’re connecting our next generation with this pivotal period in Welsh history.”

Gwilym Hughes, Head of Cadw, added:

“We hope that by offering free entry to those under 17 more people will be encouraged to visit Cadw locations and give their families a real taste of Wales’ exciting and varied history.”

The offer applies to all Cadw sites open on Sunday 14 September. Usual admission charges apply to accompanying adults.

Normally charged Cadw sites — free for under‑17s on 14 September

Kidwelly Castle, Carmarthenshire
One of Wales’ best‑preserved medieval fortresses, with a dramatic riverside setting and links to the 1136 battle in which Princess Gwenllian was killed.

Laugharne Castle, Carmarthenshire
A picturesque ruin overlooking the Taf estuary, once a Tudor mansion and later inspiring poet Dylan Thomas.

Cilgerran Castle, Pembrokeshire
Twin‑towered fortress perched above the Teifi Gorge, with a history of sieges and strategic importance.

Lamphey Bishop’s Palace, Pembrokeshire
Elegant medieval retreat for the bishops of St Davids, featuring grand halls and tranquil grounds.

St David’s Bishop’s Palace, Pembrokeshire
Magnificent 14th‑century palace ruins beside St David’s Cathedral, reflecting the wealth and influence of the medieval church.

#CADW #CilgerranCastle #Kidwelly #KidwellyCastle #Lamphey #LampheyBishopSPalace #Laugharne #LaugharneCastle #OwainGlyndŵr #OwainGlyndŵrDay #PrinceOfWales #StDavidSBishopPalace #StDavidSCathedral #StDavids

Carmarthenshire community groups to get up to £3,000 to enhance local green spaces

Carmarthenshire Council say the funding is available to projects located in the county’s principal centres of Carmarthen, Llanelli and Ammanford, as well as and the “Ten Towns” of Cross Hands, Cwmaman, Kidwelly, Laugharne, Llandeilo, Llandovery, Llanybydder, Newcastle Emlyn, St. Clears, and Whitland.

Gwyrddu Sir Gâr is committing £39,000 to support community-led greening initiatives, made possible through funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund with additional support from Carmarthenshire County Council. This scheme is designed to support local communities in developing greener, more resilient, and accessible outdoor spaces that benefit people, place, and nature.

Cllr Carys Jones, Carmarthenshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Planning and Community Cohesion, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local groups to take the lead in improving their outdoor spaces and strengthening community connections. By investing in our natural environment, we are enhancing biodiversity, tackling climate challenges, and creating healthier, more vibrant places for people to enjoy. I encourage all eligible groups within the target areas to apply and be part of this positive change for Carmarthenshire”.

Applications are open until Friday 6th June 2025.

#Carmarthenshire #CarmarthenshireCouncil #CrossHands #Cwmamman #Environment #grantFunding #GreenSpaces #Kidwelly #Laugharne #Llandeilo #Llandovery #Llanybydder #NewcastleEmlyn #StClears #Whitland

Yesterday I visited Dylan Thomas' boathouse and writing shed in #Laugharne for the first time. It's a ditty little museum but very charming! Plus it was a VERY beautiful day for it.

I'll freely admit I knew very little about Dylan Thomas before visiting, and now I know a smidge more (including what he sounded like). Winning, right?

An excellent @thecwordpodcast excursion all in all!

#museums #Wales #heritage #Carmarthenshire #DylanThomas #authors #writers

Two West Wales castles to host Easter egg trails

Events are being run by Cadw  across 12 of its castles and properties across Wales – including Kidwelly Castle and Laugharne Castle in West Wales.

Let’s Use a Camera Easter Trail, Kidwelly Castle
Sunday 20th and Monday 21st April, 10:00-16:00

Capture the beauty of Kidwelly Castle, a Norman masterpiece overlooking the River Gwendraeth. Families will follow the trail and take photos of specific landmarks and features within the castle grounds, a perfect activity for budding photographers and history enthusiasts.

Easter bunnies and eggs were hidden in the castle but some of the eggs have hatched, so we are sure we now have chicks here too. As there is magic in the castle the bunnies, eggs and chicks could disappear very quickly. Can you help find them and take a photo of where they are hiding? There will be a reward for all your help!

Easter Egg Fun Trail, Laugharne Castle
Sunday 20th and Monday 21st April, 11:00-16:00

Explore the enchanting Laugharne Castle for its annual Easter Egg Hunt, where visitors will search for hidden eggs scattered throughout the castle grounds and be in with a chance to win an Easter prize! Easter bonnets are welcome.

Head of Cadw, Gwilym Hughes, said: “The Easter holidays is the perfect time for families to get out, and explore the rich history and stories right on their own doorstep. We wanted to create an action-packed schedule of events that not only helps families to enjoy quality time together but also inspires a sense of pride and curiosity about Welsh heritage.

“Children go free with any adult membership, which offers great value for families looking to make the most of multiple visits and events throughout the year. Members enjoy unlimited access to 132 historical locations across Wales year-round, along with exclusive discounts at gift shops and similar attractions across the UK.”

(Lead image: Cadw)

#CADW #Easter #Kidwelly #KidwellyCastle #Laugharne #LaugharneCastle