October 01, 2020 - 842 views
Concerns about the impact of local lockdowns on tourism have been expressed by tourism leaders today.
Speaking earlier on BBC Radio Wales, Jim Jones Managing Director of North Wales Tourism urged Welsh Government to explain the thinking behind the decision not to protect the areas tourism sector from the effects of the lockdowns which will begin from this evening in Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham.
Many people and companies have spoken out about their fears that they may not survive the off-season now new measures are set to 'temporarily' halt their businesses.
Local tourist attractions including the Sea Aquarium in Rhyl have said that their current situation was troubling and warned of the possibility of redundancies.
Commenting on the concerns expressed by tourism and hospitality leaders who fear for the survivability of the sector as four North Wales counties face further restrictions from 6pm this evening, Darren Millar MS – the Shadow Minister for Tourism – said:
”The Welsh Government has a legal duty to ensure that any coronavirus restrictions it imposes on the people of Wales are proportionate, but it is yet to demonstrate how the widespread local measures it is taking in North East Wales meet that test.”
"The rules are being tightened in Denbighshire, Flintshire, Conwy and Wrexham following a rise in cases, and will come into force at 6pm today.
“The First Minister has repeatedly said that there is no evidence of a link between tourists and recent increases in positive Covid-19 cases in Wales yet the new travel restrictions from 6pm tonight may well deal the knock-out blow to many previously successful businesses which rely on visitors to make themselves viable.
“Ministers need to think again about their plans and put together a wider package of support to enable these businesses and the jobs that depend on them to survive.”
A response from Welsh Government is expected shortly.
