Two of the principals of the proposed Bluestone Project, William McNamara and Pamela Joseph, gave a comprehensive presentation to the tourism trade at the Queens Hall, Narberth, on Wednesday.

Arranged by Pembrokeshire Tourism, the presentation allowed Mr McNamara and his team the opportunity of explaining the impact that this important tourism development could bring to the whole industry in the county. He went to great lengths to reassure the 60-strong audience that his vision was to establish a year-round operation that would complement the existing tourism product in Pembrokeshire, and increase the number of visitors to the county, especially in the important shoulders and off-season. He was eager to reassure those present and the board members of Pembrokeshire Tourism that he envisaged working with the trade to the mutual benefit of all concerned.

Partnerships and joint working practices had already started to be formed with existing activity and attraction operators in the area to cater for the expected increase in visitors who would not be spending their entire holiday within the confines of Bluestone. Accommodation providers were also reassured by Mr McNamara that only 15% approximately of accommodation provision for the anticipated visitor numbers could be provided on-site within the project, leaving much opportunity for other, established, accommodation providers.

Following a positive question and answer session, members of Pembrokeshire Tourism were asked to register their comments and views of the project so that the board could take a view on its support. Pembrokeshire Tourism will hold its next open board meeting at the Queens Hall, on September 2nd at 3 pm and all members are invited to attend.