TOURISM INDUSTRY ‘ON BRINK OF COLLAPSE’
TOURISM leaders from some of the most popular attractions in Wales are warning they are on the “brink of collapse” as they demand a reopening plan from the Welsh Government.
In a joint letter, tourism bosses have issued a second plea to First Minister Mark Drakeford for clarity regarding dates for reopening post-lockdown.
The Welsh Association of Visitor Attractions (WAVA), which has more than 65 members including Folly Farm, Zip World, Welsh Mountain Zoo, Snowdon Mountain Railway and Dan yr Ogof Show Caves, has claimed the industry is on the “brink of collapse” after being unable to welcome paying customers during the coronavirus pandemic.
In a group statement signed by members, WAVA warned that without a clear roadmap to reopening, such as that of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, the Welsh Government is “causing harm”.
A letter was previously sent from WAVA to the First Minister on May 27 where members called for urgent clarity but members claim they have not had a reply.
The statement said: “Whilst WAVA and its members are thankful for the continued efforts and support of Visit Wales and access to the Welsh Government’s Economic Resilience Fund, which had offered a short-term lifeline to a number of our members, we now face the real and fragmenting prospect, because of your very restrictive and separate set of pandemic ‘lockdown’ policies, of a 2020 summer season that may never happen.
“The result would be catastrophic for the tourism industry in Wales.
“Whilst once being protective, the Welsh Government’s policies are now, as we are in the middle of June, causing further damage unless there is urgent change.”
WAVA claims the Welsh Government is causing further harm to the tourism industry due to its “continued stance of remaining closed for business and travel; with borders effectively shut; tourism, leisure and hospitality sector prohibited from opening in any form; and no roadmap or target date phasing for economic recovery”.
The statement goes on to say: “There has been no message from the First Minister that gives hope to the Welsh attraction and tourism industry and indeed he stands firm that ‘Wales is shut, don’t come and don’t plan on coming’.
“This message is now the one that is with our customers elsewhere in the UK, remembering over 80% of the tourism visitors to Wales are UK-based.
“As the UK, and indeed wider European population, emerge from lockdown and reignite their economies then this is the most incredibly damaging message to remain on now.
“Welsh tourism will be left behind not only in 2020 but for a number of years.
“The Welsh tourism industry, unlike the rest of the UK, is fast running out of time to hear of a ‘roadmap’ with target dates and to be able to plan for some summer trade and indeed its survival.
“We implore the Welsh Government to help us because without urgent clarity and a plan to re-open, the second largest industry in Wales is on the brink of collapse.”
This comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Wednesday that zoos and outdoor attractions where people could remain in cars, like safari parks, could reopen from next week.
Vince Hughes, director of Snowdon Mountain Railway, said the majority of staff have been furloughed since the end of March.
“I have been very busy dealing with inquiries and refunds as we were due to open in mid-March,” Mr Hughes said.
“It’s been very, very confusing for customers who have been asking us ‘when are you open?’ as obviously we don’t know and there’s not even an indication.
“Our concern is the bookings we have are going elsewhere. We rely on probably about 90% of people from the UK for our tourism but they obviously will be looking to book elsewhere in England and Scotland, which is certainly a big problem for us.
“It’s getting to the point of no return and if we don’t open in July our season is over before it’s begun.
“We are becoming increasingly concerned and frustrated.”
Ashford Price, chairman of the National Showcaves Centre for Wales, explained the Swansea Valley attraction has not taken any money since last October.
“We spent a lot of money getting the caves and the dinosaurs ready for Easter and then Easter came and went and we weren’t allowed to open,” he said.
“We are being encouraged to take on very large loans with six months interest free, but how are we supposed to pay them back if we’re not taking any money?”
The Welsh Government’s next lockdown review is due to take place on Thursday, June 18.
A Welsh Government spokeswoman said: “We don’t want the sector to be in any doubt at all that the safe re-opening of the tourism economy is at the forefront of our minds.
“We hear what businesses are saying and are acutely aware of the challenges they are facing but we have to be guided by the medical and scientific advice to ensure we only lift restrictions when they are safe to do so.”