A NEW chairman and five new directors were elected at the annual meeting of an independent organisation that represents 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across mid Wales.

Rowland Rees-Evans, managing director of Penrhos Park at Llanrhystud, near Aberystwyth, steps up from vice-chairman to take over the reins of MWT Cymru from Anne Lloyd-Jones, of Tywyn, who stood down after 15 years as chairman.

The new directors are Sharon Peake-Jones, co-owner of Pandy Isaf, Dolgellau; Meurig Jones, estate manager at Portmeirion Ltd, Portmeirion; Owen James, owner of holiday cottage 2, Mill Street, Crickhowell; Dylan Roberts, joint managing director of Salop Leisure who lives in Bow Street; and Louise Lloyd, managing director of Harry’s Hotel, Aberystwyth.

“I am really looking forward to the next few months working with the new board members,” Mr Rees-Evans told members meeting at Plas Talgarth Resort, Pennal, near Machynlleth. “We are here to help and learn from each other and to share good ideas.”

He emphasised the importance of digital technology to tourism businesses, as a growing number of customers now use mobile phones and tablets to search and book accommodation.

See this week’s south editions for the full story, in shops and online tomorrow