Tourism industry boss honoured for putting mid Wales on the map
A prominent figure in the Mid Wales tourism industry been made an MBE in the King’s official birthday honours list.
Val Hawkins, chief executive of Machynlleth-based MWT Cymru (Mid Wales Tourism), is recognised for her service to tourism and the economy of Wales in what is the 24th anniversary of joining MWT Cymru.
With a team of four full and part-time staff, MWT Cymru is an independent tourism organisation representing 600 tourism and hospitality member businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia.
Val said: “I am surprised but delighted to have been recognised with an MBE.
“I am proud of the work I have done as an officer of MWT Cymru over the past 24 years, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic when a lot of good people in the industry pulled together to try to mitigate the impact on tourism businesses through that extremely challenging time.
“I must thank the MWT directors and staff I have worked with over the years and our member businesses and community groups for their support. I am part of a business community and, for a rural region, we collectively punch way above our weight.
“Our strength lies in being a small but flexible and agile team which allows us to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.”
