Latest lockdown easing measures unveiled - as tourism industry get ready

Pubs in Wales have been sent a “clear signal” to prepare to open indoors from August 3 by the First Minister as he announced the latest round of lockdown changes, Wales Online is reporting this afternoon.

The measures will be phased in every Monday over the next review cycle and will see large parts of Wales’ visitor, hospitality, leisure and tourism industries re-open.

Mar Drakeford also announced that “provided the re-opening of outdoor hospitality goes well and the state of the virus allows, indoor opening for pubs, bars, cafes, and restaurants will resume from August 3."

Larger gatherings of up to 30 people will now be permitted provided they are outdoors “where these are organised and supervised by a responsible person for sports and other leisure activities and classes,” a Welsh Government spokesman said.

As expected he confirmed pubs, cafes, and restaurants will open outdoors and hairdressers, barbers and mobile hairdressers will re-open by appointment from Monday (July 13). 

* For the full story see: https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/mark-drakeford-live-changes-lockdown-18566786 

Tourism bosses in county get ready for changes

Tourism businesses in Denbighshire are gearing up to kick-start their season, in readiness for the relaxing of lockdown restrictions on the industry, announced by First Minister Mark Drakeford today (Friday)

Bookings can be made for stays after 11 July. This will be at people’s own risk and they should check with the accommodation provider before they book.  

This includes any accommodation that is entirely self-contained, e.g. holiday cottages, holiday caravans including touring caravans, motorhomes, boats and some glamping accommodation with their own kitchens and bathrooms that no other guests use.

The proposed guidance also allows hotels and other serviced accommodation (e.g. B&Bs, hostels, etc.) that do provide en-suite rooms and can provide room service meals to re-open.

Caravan parks where accommodation is entirely self-contained may be allowed to re-open – but shared facilities on the premises will remain closed, such as swimming pools, leisure facilities, shared shower and toilets blocks, shared laundry, etc, and public areas in other accommodation types.  

This means any caravan or touring site where individual accommodation has its own supply of water for on board shower, WC and cooking with strict application of guidance on shared waste disposal and water points.

Businesses are expected  to take all reasonable measures to ensure that 2 metre distance is kept whilst waiting to enter premises, as well as admitting people onto premises in sufficiently small numbers to ensure that distance is kept.

Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, who is also the Cabinet Lead Member for the Economy, said: “This latest relaxation of regulations for the industry is very much a step in the right direction.

“Tourism is very much at the heart of our economy in Denbighshire, contributing around £509 million a year and many people are heavily reliant on the industry for income and jobs.

“Many businesses will have really struggled over the past three months and it’s been a fine balance between protecting communities and re-starting the local economy.  It’s now time to look forward with hope and work together to offer the best possible experience for visitors from afar and wide, providing the usual high quality offer and encourage visitors to return to our scenic county”.

Ian Lebbon, Chair of the Denbighshire Destination Management Partnership, said: “We have waited a long time for this day. It’s been a really tough time for the tourism industry nationally and it’s no exception for us in Denbighshire.

“We fully recognise that restrictions needed to be put in place for the benefit of communities, but it’s now a case of looking forward to get  as many businesses as possible back on their feet and breathing new life into the industry, through encouraging visitors back to our county.

“We live in one of the most scenic areas of the UK, with a great blend of coastal and country communities and attractions.  We will continue to champion Denbighshire and North East Wales as great destinations for holidays and day trips for the whole family.

“We expect more people to stay in the UK for their annual holidays and it will be great to get tourism going again in our county. However, we want to make sure that people can visit Denbighshire in a safe manner,  whilst respecting communities and our scenic countryside and be mindful to check with providers and attractions whether they are open before travelling."