A pioneering £19 million project has been approved to future-proof the tourism sector in North Wales.
The Tourism Talent Network project will see the introduction of state-of-the-art training and knowledge transfer facilities across five locations in the region.
The project, a collaboration between Ambition North Wales and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, was green-lighted by the North Wales Economic Ambition Board last year.
It aims to provide world-class training, support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro business engagement, alongside a comprehensive school outreach programme.
With the help of a £4.43 million fund from the North Wales Growth Deal, the project hopes to transform how tourism and hospitality skills are delivered in the region.
The ultimate goal is to establish North Wales as a leader in sustainable tourism and hospitality innovation.
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai leads the project, working with key businesses, including Portmeirion and Zip World, and strategic partners such as Snowdonia Hospitality and Leisure and the National Trust.
Together, they aim to deliver targeted training, increase quality standards, and elevate tourism and hospitality to a desirable, sustainable career option.
Gwenllian Roberts, executive director of commercial development at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, said: "We’re delighted that the Tourism Talent Network funding agreement has now been signed.
"The project is borne out of an incredible partnership and recognition of the importance, quality and distinctiveness of the North Wales tourism and hospitality sector."
"It will drive quality, foster job creation, and raise the profile of careers in the sector across the communities of North Wales."
Councillor Charlie McCoubrey, leader of Conwy County Borough Council and lead member on the Economic Ambition Board for the Agrifood and Tourism Programme, said: "We were pleased to approve the full business caseand see the subsequent funding agreement signed, for this innovative project – the first of its type in the UK.
"It’s an important step and one which will contribute to developing a more resilient foundation economy in the region."
Around 100 tourism and hospitality businesses are expected to benefit from the project, with a projected 68 new jobs created and 250 apprenticeships supported.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: "The Tourism Talent Network project will enhance the world-class skills and expertise already operating in the North Wales tourism sector."
The project is modelled on world-class approaches seen in Europe, making it a UK first.
A state-of-the-art training hub at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s Rhos-on-Sea campus will connect to specialist training facilities at 'Spoke' sites.
All training support will be delivered by Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, underpinned by comprehensive business and school engagement across the region.
The Tourism Talent Network will focus on key themes central to future-proofing the tourism and hospitality sector, namely digitisation, environmental sustainability, language, and culture.
The project has already seen significant private sector engagement, with further partners expected to join the network soon.
