Commenting on new government figures that show a drop in the output of hotels and restaurants in Wales, Shadow Culture Minister Paul Davies AM said:

"These figures are clearly very worrying for everyone working in the tourism industry in Wales, especially because output across the UK as a whole is increasing.

"Wales is a beautiful, culturally diverse small country with everything from cosmopolitan cities to magnificent rural countryside. Tourism should be a booming industry here.

"These figures send a very clear message to the Labour-Plaid coalition - support is needed for those on the frontline of hospitality in Wales.

"Wales must be marketed and advertised properly and that needs investment from the government."

"We have long held concerns that the abolition of the Wales Tourist Board would have a damaging effect on our ability to market Wales as a leading tourism destination.

"These figures suggest those concerns are valid and the Assembly Government is not doing enough to support the industry."