Welsh Government want to extend tourist season into Autumn to boost pandemic-hit visitor economy

The Welsh Government have said that they hope to extend Wales’ tourist season into Autumn in order to boost businesses.

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Dafydd Elis-Thomas, encouraged visitors to visit Wales over the next few months to support the economy.

The Welsh Government pointed to the conclusions of the Wales Tourism Business COVID-19 Barometer published today which they say showed that an extended period of staycations through the autumn was needed to boost business.

“Although we’re approaching the last of the summer bank holidays, Wales also has so much to offer in the autumn – and planning days out and discovering, in a responsible manner, what’s on our doorstep will help to extend the season and support Wales’ visitor economy,” Dafydd Elis-Thomas said.

The Barometer results indicated that 78% of businesses were open with 51% of those open operating at full capacity.

11% of open businesses had more customers since reopening than they would normally have at this time of year, and 45% were at the same level.

However, 44% said they had fewer customers than normal, mainly as a result of limited capacity to allow social distancing and keep people safe, than demand from customers.

‘Responsibility’

Ahead of the bank holiday, the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism reinforced the need for visitors, businesses and communities to work together to keep Wales safe.

“Only by us all doing our part and taking personal responsibility for our actions can we continue to tackle coronavirus,” he said.

“For individuals, this means keeping a two-metre distance from others, washing our hands often and wearing a face-covering on public transport. For businesses this means taking action to protect customers, including operating safe workplaces and social distancing measures, practicing rigorous hygiene and taking customer contact details so that the NHS contact tracing service can reach them in the event of an outbreak. We want everyone in Wales to feel that can enjoy the bank holiday – in a safe way.”

He said that some areas of Wales remain very busy and people are encouraged to plan their visit, be prepared to change plans if places are too crowded and respect the landscape and local communities by not littering, fly-camping and parking illegally.

Visit Wales has also launched a campaign encouraging visitors to sign their pledge to promise to help care and protect the people and places they visit.  ‘Addo- Make your Promise to Wales’ is an online pledge by Visit Wales in partnership with the tourism industry.