Tourism industry timetable welcomed

CLWYD West MS Darren Millar has welcomed the publication of a timetable for the re-opening of the tourism industry in Wales.

Mr Millar says it will be a 'huge relief' to operators who have faced months of uncertainty and worry.

Darren, along with his Welsh Conservative colleagues, has made repeated calls since lockdown for a clear roadmap with dates to enable the tourism industry to plan reopening.

England, Scotland and Northern Ireland have had a clear plan for some time, but operators in Wales were left frustrated and worried for their futures.

Darren said: “This announcement couldn’t have come soon enough for the tourism industry in Wales. My inbox has been inundated in recent weeks with emails from tourism operators here in North Wales who have been worried sick about their livelihoods and the jobs of their employees.

“They were desperate for a clear plan and will be so relieved by this. This pandemic has cost them thousands, they lost Easter and May half term, but at least they will salvage some of summer."

Vale of Clwyd MS Ann Jones AM agreed with Mr Millar's sentiments adding: "I hope that many residents across the Vale of Clwyd will see this latest relaxation of regulations as a step in the right direction and that the decisions taken still very much have the health of all of us at the heart of all these decisions.

"The virus is still very much with us and unfortunately , here in Denbighshire, we are still experiencing high numbers of confirmed cases.

"I understand that many will be disappointed that the stay local travel regulations are still in force for another couple of weeks but, like the Welsh Government, I believe that we still have to be aware that we still need to ensure that we do not release regulations too fast and cause further issues when dealing with this virus.

"I am particularly pleased to see that those who have family members living away will be able to visit them, observing the social distancing, and this will help everybody’s well being at this difficult time".