As 2012 draws to a close, we take a positive look back at the highs of a tourism industry surviving, and not infrequently thriving, during tough economic times
It may have been a soggy summer but the double-dip recession, grey skies and rainfall didn't stop many of our clients from bucking the trend by experiencing a successful season.
LDS Tourism Services has recently joined forces with the Redundancy Action Scheme II (ReAct II), a programme set up by the Welsh Assembly Government for people living in Wales who are facing job loss.
Last year we kitted out a brand new Tourist Information Point (TIP) at Blakemere - a unique shopping hub set in and around a pictographic Edwardian stable block and cobbled courtyard in Sandiway, Cheshire.
We may be in the throes of a double-dip recession, but tourism operators across the country will no doubt welcome the news that domestic trips and holidays have increased to record levels for the third consecutive year.
No matter how gloomy the economic outlook may be for 2012, certain sectors of the British tourism industry show every sign of being in robust good health.
Last month LDS Tourism Services joined the Flintshire Tourism Association (FTA), an independent group of tourism operators that has strong links with Flintshire County Council.
A great many beneficial changes are taking place this winter as we continue to provide our clients with superior display locations at the best possible rates.
According to The Mersey Partnership - the organization responsible for developing and promoting the Liverpool City Region as an ideal place to invest, live, work and stay - the local visitor economy supports some 41,000 job.
According to a survey of 326 people by the Mystery Dining Company, British people feel that hotel staff "don't know enough" about their local area, which "significantly reduces the value of customer service provided".
I am the Director of Research & Marketing for LDS Tourism Services Ltd, a highly-respected brochure marketing company in North West Britain. I am also a columnist, critic, editor, social media marketer and content provider.