A "crass decision" and a "snub" for Ceredigion – that’s how county MP Mark Williams describes a decision to stage a major European UAV event 120 miles from Parc Aberporth.

The three day conference on unmanned aerial systems next month will be held at Celtic Manor, near Newport, and delegates will be bussed to Parc Aberporth to see flying demonstrations – and bussed back the same day.

Mark Williams said: "I am stunned by this snub for Ceredigion. Parc Aberporth has always been sold to people on the basis of its value to the local economy, but for this major event it seems that not a single penny will be brought to the county."

He added: "When we are facing a serious economic crisis and trying to reduce our carbon emissions the idea of bussing people from the other side of Wales is both extravagant and wasteful and is a kick in the teeth to the local area.

"This crass decision should be seriously reconsidered. Ceredigion has many outstanding hotels which would comfortably meet the standards of even the most fickle of delegates."

The annual showcase UAV conference has been the only major event held at Parc Aberporth since it was built. The runway at the adjoining West Wales Airport has been extended in the last year.

In previous years the event has been run by the Welsh Assembly Government. This year it is organised by the private sector.

A spokesperson for the Welsh Assembly Government said: "The annual ParcAberporth event has been run and largely funded by the Welsh Assembly Government since 2003 and achieved its purpose of raising awareness worldwide of the unique facilities and services that ParcAberporth could provide.

"It formed an element of a wider on-going marketing campaign but it was never the intention of the Assembly Government to continue to run and fund the event indefinitely. The international UAS event is now being organised by the private sector in Wales and will have a strong focus on ParcAberporth."

Shephard Group, which is organising the event, from July 21-23, is staging a golf day at Celtic Manor alongside the conference.

The firm says: "Reflecting the importance of Wales to the unmanned systems community the conference and exhibition is centred on the Celtic Manor Resort, which in addition to being a superbly appointed conference venue is also the home of Ryder Cup 2010.

"Delegates will be transported on Tuesday, July 21, to view UAV systems operating from Parc Aberporth based at the West Wales Airport before returning to the Celtic Manor Hotel for the start of the conference itself."