Tourism chiefs’ plea for ‘clarity’
Key industry still waiting for news as lockdown is eased in England
WHILE the Welsh Government and First Minister Mark Drakeford have offered hopes of reopening for some shops in Wales, recent announcements have been a disappointment to the many businesses that rely on tourism in Carmarthenshire.
Leaders from some of the most popular visitor attractions in Wales have signed an open letter to First Minister Mr Drakeford, calling for urgent clarity around dates for reopening after lockdown.
WHILE the Welsh Government and First Minister Mark Drakeford have offered hopes of re-opening for some shops in Wales, recent announcements have been a disappointment to the many businesses that rely on tourism in Carmarthenshire.
Chair of the Carmarthenshire Tourism Association (CTA) David Beaney, said: “We are pleased for retailers that they can start to prepare for a possible re-opening, but tourism business operators would appreciate some kind of timeline indication so they can initiate the many changes that they will have to set in place to operate safely for both customers and staff.”
It comes as tourism leaders from some of the most popular visitor attractions in Wales have signed an open letter to First Minister Mr Drakeford - who was born in Carmarthen - calling for urgent clarity around dates for reopening after lockdown.
The CTA has also raised the issue of the ending of the furlough scheme, and is supporting calls for the scheme to be extended beyond October.
Mr Beaney, who runs the Mansion House Hotel in Llansteffan, referred to the recent survey carried out by the CTA.
It questioned Carmarthenshire tourism businesses and highlighted high levels of worry about their survival, especially as so many of them are small and do not qualify for funding from the varied supports offered by the Welsh Government.
Mr Beaney said: “They are doing their best in a very difficult situation and they have promised at least a three week advance notice but some things are going to take longer than that to set up, and there will be competition for equipment, supplies and the tradespeople necessary to get ready.”
The survey results were presented recently by Mr
Beaney and fellow director George Reid - who runs Glangwili Mansion B&B outside Carmarthen - at a recent meeting of the South West Tourism Forum.
The forum is represented on the Welsh Government’s Tourism Covid 19 Group which is meeting regularly online during the lockdown.
CTA has been working with other associations to lobby the Welsh Government to support the tourism industry in Wales which, after agriculture, generates the highest amount of income for Wales.
The CTA has chiefly been liaising with North Wales Tourism, Swansea Bay, Brecon Beacons, St David’s, Abergavenny, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
Mr Reid and Mr Beaney have been emphasising the issues faced by the whole range of businesses run by the members which range from accommodation, attractions, activity providers and suppliers. They have welcomed the recent new sources of financial help but there is some dismay from members who find themselves excluded from help by the criteria imposed.
Members are being supported by the CTA with regular updates and advice sources as well as one-to-one contact.
CTA volunteer director Caroline Evans said: “The stress that this is imposing may well mean that some businesses may feel able to re-start, quite apart from the economic impact of what would be effectively three winters in a row.
“Some of our members have been able to diversify, for example Llety Cynin near St Clears is accommodating health care staff but it is not possible for all.
“With restaurants closed, some are turning to takeaway, for example members Mel Hurley and Paul Bennett at the Ty Mawr Hotel in Brechfa are doing takeaway meals, baking bread for the village shop and recently organised a home-delivery bank holiday cream tea which had over 90 customers.”
In response, a Welsh Government spokesman said it was aware of the concerns of those in the tourism sector but had to balance reopening with community fears about exacerbating the spread of coronavirus.
“The feedback we’ve had from the tourism industry has been invaluable in addressing its needs at these difficult times.
“We are very aware of its concerns and its desire to reopen as soon as it is safe to do so to protect jobs in communities across Wales. We are also very aware of the concerns of communities that nothing should be done which could exacerbate the spread of coronavirus.
“Our package of support for businesses is the most generous in the UK and is providing vital help to thousands of businesses.
“However the sector right across the UK is pressing the UK Government to provide long-term financial support to help steer it through this incredibly difficult period.
“We will continue to work with the industry as we gradually ease restrictions and plan for a postpandemic recovery in line with the First Minister’s roadmap.”
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