2.68fq. -1001 PP 1//3' /07-// Elin Jones AMIAC Y Gweinidog dros Faterion Gwledig Minister for Rural Affairs Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru Welsh Assembly Government Eich cyflYour ref Ein cyf/Our ref EJ/0238/08 Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM Minister for Heritage Welsh Assembly Government Cardiff Bay CF991NA June 2008 I write to make you aware of concerns about the Assembly Governments 'Visit Wales' website raised by Mark Isherwood AM during Rural Affairs Questions at Plenary on 21 May 2008. An extract from the Record of Proceedings outlining Mr Isherwood's concerns is attached at annex 1 for your convenience . • English Enquiry Line 08450103300 Bae Caerdydd • Cardiff Bay Llinell Ymholiadau Cymraeg 08450104400 Caerdydd • Cardiff Ffacs • Fax 029 2089 8522 CF991NA [email protected] Wed;'; argraffu ar bapur wed;'; ailgylchu (100%) Printed on 100% recycled paper Annex 1 Joined-up Development Mark Isherwood: What discussions has the Minister had with other Ministers about the joined-up development of the rural economy? OAQ(3)0349(RAF) Elin Jones: I have regular discussions with my Cabinet colleagues about the rural economy and related issues. Mark Isherwood: We know that many rural businesses depend on the tourism and visitor economy. I have been approached by a rural business in north Wales, which has told me that, of 703 visits to its website in the first two months of this year, only four came from the Assembly Government's Visit Wales website. It also said that, when it looked up 'holiday cottage Wales', Visit Wales came up on page 7; when it looked up 'self catering Wales', Visit Wales came up on page 7; and when it looked up 'Anglesey holiday cottages', it gave up on page 24. Given the impact that this has on the rural economy, will you engage with your ministerial colleagues to ensure that the Assembly Government's flagship website becomes a key source of business for the rural economy in Wales? Elin Jones: I am more than happy to ensure that the Minister with responsibility for tourism is aware of the issues that you raise . .. .