Speaking in the virtual Plenary session held today (June 10), Paul Davies - the Leader of the Opposition in the Welsh Parliament – called on the First Minister to offer hope and reassurance to the Welsh tourism sector, which is suffering during the Coronavirus lockdown.

Mr Davies said that many tourist operators in Wales are left languishing as they see their counterparts across the UK adapting their business models and ways of welcoming back visitors, adding:

“Many operators feel as though they’re being left behind, with no hope for their businesses in the future.

Speaking later, Mr Davies said:

“Across Wales, from zoos – which we have led a campaign for a Zoos Fund to be formulated here – to smaller attractions, and from chain hotels to small, family-run B & Bs, the tourism sector is of vital importance to our economy. The figures speak for themselves: a turnover of more than £3.1 billion and more than 100,000 people working within the sector.

“Tourist business owners here look a few miles across the border with frustration and a sense of helplessness and hopelessness, and it’s time that the sector is given that hope and help both financial and in terms of there being a clear roadmap, with – as we have repeatedly called for – a timeline of when operators can re-open, before it’s too late.”