‘People switching holidays from Wales to England’
THE CEO of one of the UK’s leading tourism organisations has said that people with bookings in Wales are now cancelling and re-booking in England and Scotland, where there is “certainty”.
Jim Jones, boss of North Wales Tourism, a company that supports businesses across that region, has issued a plea to First Minister Mark Drakeford for clarity around dates for re-opening, saying the tourism industry has to be open in the summer to survive.
Mr Jones said he was starting to get messages from visitors cancelling due to the uncertainty as they didn’t want to take the risk of booking in Wales.
“We closed the industry at a time where tourism and hospitality is dependent upon this time of year. We have lost millions of pounds in income,” he said.
“The most frustrating thing for our businesses is the not knowing and being left in limbo.
“We understand how careful Mark Drakeford is being, but the tourism sector is also about communities. We have thousands of people who depend on their livelihoods who have poured their heart and soul into it.”
The Welsh Government’s next lockdown review is due to be announced today. “All we have been asking is for the Government to be clear; I know more about what is going on in Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and in Europe than in Wales,” said Mr Jones.
“Some people put the whole of their life savings into these businesses, it’s very sad.
“We have to be open in July and August to stop our businesses from going over the cliff edge.Now we think it’s time for action — give us some hope.
“I really hope the Government are listening. If Mr Drakeford doesn’t deliver on some of these things to give us hope then it’s going to be an awfully dark mood across the sector.”