Welsh government's Tourism Taskforce calls for reopening of hospitality

Industry members of the Welsh government’s own Tourism Taskforce have written to the first minister urging him to bring forward the reopening of hospitality.

The group, set up by ministers early in the pandemic, includes representatives from UKHospitality Cymru, VisitBritain and regional Tourism Forums.

It is calling on Mark Drakeford to give a clear reopening date to businesses in his next update on 22 April.

Outdoor hospitality in Wales has a provisional reopening date of 26 April, but the Welsh government has only said it will “consider enabling” indoor service after 17 May.

This is despite England, which has higher coronavirus rates than Wales, allowing outdoor service to resume on 12 April.

The taskforce is calling for indoor reopening of Welsh businesses to be brought forward to at least 17 May to align with England’s roadmap.

The letter reads: “The data for Wales is showing hugely encouraging signs with cases falling to a low of 20 per 100,000 – the lowest number since our industry was open for business in September.

“What hasn’t changed in recent weeks are the anxiety levels, mental health concerns and wellbeing issues of our owners, managers and of their staff, who are desperate for the surety of day-to-day living that a return to work provides.

“While forced to close, and only around 30% of our businesses can open with outdoor hospitality, and while without the confirmation of additional financial support resources while shut, they also face making serious decisions about their and their workforces' futures.”

David Champan, executive director of UKHospitality Cymru, added: “Customers are keen; businesses are desperate; workers want stability and a release from uncertainty and anxiety about their jobs. An early opening would help key businesses survive, boost local communities and the Welsh economy as a whole and lift the mood of Wales tremendously.”

Self-contained holiday accommodation in Wales, including hotels with en suite facilities and room service, has been able to welcome people from the same household or support bubble since 27 March. However, for many hotels opening in such a reduced capacity is not feasible.

Last week a Cardiff restaurateur launched a legal challenge against the Welsh government, calling on them to provide evidence for keeping hospitality closed.

The move is being handled by law firm JWM Solicitors, which is also behind Sacha Lord’s legal bid to speed up the reopening of hospitality in England.