TOURISM industry leaders from Meirionnydd have met with counterparts from across mid Wales to share ideas on how to boost the region.

Representatives of attractions located across Mid Wales gathered at Powis Castle, a National Trust property in Welshpool, for the first of what they hope will become regular meetings to share ideas.

The meeting was organised by MWT Cymru, an independent organisation representing 550 tourism and hospitality businesses across Meirionnydd, Powys and Ceredigion.

The informal network group was suggested by Emma Thompson, general manager of Powis Castle, National Trust and a MWT Cymru director, at a MWT Cymru members’ meeting held at Gregynog Hall, Tregynon, near Newtown last November.

Represented at the first meeting were the Vale of Rheidol and Talyllyn Railways, King Arthur’s Labyrinth, Corris Craft Centre and Corris Mine Explorers, Gregynog Hall, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, Newtown Textile Museum, Portmeirion, Broneirion, Llandinam, the Centre for Alternative Technology, near Machynlleth and Powis Castle.

Mrs Thompson said Powis Castle, National Trust was keen to collaborate with other attractions to attract more visitors to Mid Wales and to work with the local population. The region had a very family friendly and diverse offering for visitors.

Stuart Williams, Talyllyn Railway’s general manager, said it was important that attractions ensured that visitors knew what to do while they were visiting the region.

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