Easter frustration for tourism trade

A North Wales tourism guide says it is a “great shame” that attractions and most of the hospitality industry are not open at Easter.

Jim Jones, the executive director of North Wales Tourism, said this was a real sense of frustration in companies that have been affected as a result of the pandemic.

He accused the Welsh government of not listening to the sector’s requests for an adequate timetable to steer the return to something near normal.

First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced that the “stay on the spot” rules in Wales will be lifted from tomorrow (Saturday) and unlimited travel will be allowed within its borders.

This means Wales will be the first UK nation to lift travel restrictions within national borders since the winter locks were reintroduced.

Independent tourist accommodation – including many hotels and cottages – can then also be opened.

However, non-essential travel to and from other UK countries is prohibited for at least two weeks.

Mr Jones said: “It is excellent news that we are slowly on the right track as we are slowly starting to open up the sector across Wales, but it is a great shame that many of our attractions and hospitality are not for Easter are open.

“There is still a real and palpable sense of frustration in the industry as the Welsh government has not listened to the mood on the ground. If they did, we would have a plan to move forward after April.

“It’s very difficult to see why they won’t find out, especially since the other three home countries have now.

“Perhaps it is a matter of pride on behalf of the First Minister that he wants to stick to his agenda of not changing his mind despite the evidence and feedback telling him otherwise. I really do not know it.

“But he has to realize that people need time to plan when running a business. You now have very few resources, which makes things a lot more difficult.

“At North Wales Tourism, we have provided advice and guidance to the Welsh Government on behalf of the sector throughout this pandemic. But it doesn’t seem to be of any use.

“We do know, however, that there will be deadlines at some point based on the success of the vaccine rollout and the reduction in cases.

“In the meantime, more targeted financial support is needed to help the sector recover. Do not be under any illusions, this will continue to be a very tough and bumpy business for many companies in the future. “