S4C to tackle issue of holiday homes in Wales in special programme

S4C is to tackle the issue of holiday homes in Wales in a special programme to be broadcast tomorrow.

This issue will be discussed as part of Pawb a’i Farn with Betsan Powys on S4C this Thursday at 9pm.

The programme will also discuss the issue of tourism and whether boosting the local economy is a price too much to pay for our Welsh communities.

“I worked on programmes regarding the situation around holiday homes in Wales 20 years ago,” presenter Betsan Powys said.

“Now, 20 years on, the number of holiday homes has gone up, and the answer to the problem still hasn’t been found.”

Although it’s a problem that traditional Welsh holiday destinations have experienced for decades, now, according to Betsan, the situation is escalating.

“We are now looking at areas that were not facing the problem 20 years ago. Recent figures show growth in the number of holiday homes, but also show that the areas in question are now expanding further from the coast.

“The areas where houses are bought for Airbnb or holiday homes are spreading. Twenty years ago, the situation was a crisis for the Welsh language, but this time, it’s more than that. It’s an economic issue. Where will we be in another 20 years?”

 

‘Balance’

But like all debates, the situation is not black and white she says, with strong feelings on all sides.

“There are those who feel that tourism and holiday homes are key to the future of the rural economy, but others believe that it is destroying it,” she said. “Pawb a’i Farn will give us a platform to discuss this openly.

“Do we need more rules, more taxes? Are there other areas, or other countries that are better able to balance the economic value and future of communities? Or is it just that Wales needs the money, and that’s it? If you have a question, ask it, if you have an opinion, share it.”

The programme will welcome guests from the tourism sector and local and national politicians who will be ready to voice their opinions.

To contribute, or to ask a question about the issue, you can contact Tinopolis at [email protected].