Edwina Hart, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
The Cardiff Airport Task Force was established by the First Minister in June 2012. The Board comprised members with a wide representation including the TUC; Tourism bodies; Vale of Glamorgan County Council; Enterprise Zone; BAMC; CBI; South Wales Chamber of Commerce and WLGA.
The objectives of the Task Force were to:
- Develop a set of strategic initiatives for Cardiff Airport;
- Collaborate on marketing and promoting Wales generally, as a business, tourism and leisure destination, and Cardiff Airport in particular as the international gateway to Wales;
- Manage communications and build unity on core messaging to improve co-ordination amongst stakeholders.
The First Minister handed the chairmanship of the Task Force to me in July 2013.
Following the purchase of Cardiff Airport, the day to day operation of the airport is now the responsibility of the Cardiff International Airport Ltd (CIAL). My officials have engaged in wide ranging discussions on the future needs and options for the Task Force, in consultation with members of the Task Force, Welsh Government Tourism Advisory Board and the Enterprise Zone.
The consensus was that the Task Force had met and delivered its original objectives. Many of the Task Force membership organisations are represented on existing Boards which interface with CIAL. It was also considered that the continuing existence of the Task Force may confuse matters as there are a number of Boards and Committees in relation to Cardiff Airport and the surrounding area.
I have therefore agreed that the Task Force should be disbanded with immediate effect. I will ensure that the CIAL Board, Tourism Advisory Panel and St Athan – Cardiff Enterprise Zone work closely together to deliver co-ordinated economic objectives.