Welsh tourism given three-week reopening notice

Welsh first minister Mark Drakeford has given the country’s tourism industry a three-week reopening notice, providing conditions allow.

Speaking today, Drakeford said self-contained accommodation, including hotels and B&Bs, can start making preparations to reopen over the next three weeks, and said businesses can take bookings from the week beginning 13 July “at their own risk”.

From 6 July the country will lift its ‘stay local’ lockdown restrictions, allowing people to travel to tourism destinations. He said the tourism sector and visitor centres may use the next fortnight to plan to welcome tourists again and attempt to salvage what is left of the summer.

At the next review on 9 July, the Welsh government will consider a range of specific options for opening self-contained holiday accommodation.

Discussions will also be held with the hospitality sector about the potential phased reopening of pubs, cafés and restaurants while maintaining strict social distancing, but Drakeford said hospitality is "not yet in that position".

Drakeford said: “I know the wider tourism industry is keen to reopen and to salvage some of this summer’s season. I am therefore signalling owners of self-contained accommodation should use the next three weeks to prepare to reopen, working with their local communities.

“But I want people to know coronavirus has not gone away. We have some headroom to make this package of changes to the regulations, which will be introduced in a phased and cautious way in Wales.

“Many aspects of daily life in Wales will be moving into the amber zone in our traffic light system. But we all need to continue to take steps to protect ourselves from the virus – that means working from home wherever possible; avoiding unnecessary travel; only meeting with one other household outdoors; maintaining social distancing and washing your hands often. It may also mean wearing a face covering in some situations.

“It is thanks to the efforts of everyone in Wales that we have slowed the spread of coronavirus but we can’t stop now. We need to do all we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the virus and to keep Wales safe.”

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