The First Minister yesterday outlined the next steps in Wales' response to the coronavirus pandemic as part of the three-week review. It was expected to be a "roadmap" out of lockdown giving clarity to all the sectors forced to close due to the Welsh Government Coronavirus regulations.
However, many in the hospitality industry have criticised the Welsh Government for some omissions from the roadmap. Pubs, cafes, bars, restaurants and wider tourism were not included in the plans.
Charlie Evans, Welsh Conservative candidate for Dwyfor Meirionnydd at the Senedd Election and founder of Gwynedd Hospitality said:
'We welcome the news that Welsh Government is considering reopening self-contained accommodation over the Easter break. With Easter fast approaching, notice is needed so bookings can be taken as well as notice of border arrangements. 90% of North Wales' tourism is from England and we need to see uniformity of rules. Notice is also needed for businesses to take every precaution in being covid-secure.
'But we didn't see any clarity yesterday from the First Minister on reopening hospitality and the rest of the tourism sector. The industry was promised a roadmap to give the sector something to plan for and look forward to. Unfortunately, that roadmap was not given to us. It is a promise broken.
'The tourism and hospitality industry employs 20,000 people across Gwynedd. Businesses are in desperate need now for further funding and we would encourage the Welsh Government to come back and give us some direction on future plans, as well as allocating the hundreds of millions of pounds given by UK Government, that is currently unspent.'
