Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has called on the Welsh Government to provide holiday parks in Conwy and Denbighshire with some clarity as to when they will be allowed to open again.
Speaking in the Welsh Parliament yesterday, Darren said tourism businesses need to know what the route out of lockdown will be and urged the Welsh Government to provide them with the answers they need.
Raising the matter with the Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Tourism, Darren said:
“As you will know, in Conwy and Denbighshire, we rely heavily on tourism as an industry, and we have amongst the very best holiday caravan sites and campsites in the whole of the United Kingdom.
“Operators tell me that it's very important that they have a clear understanding of when they will be able to reopen again, and if there is going to be a phased reopening, it does need to be cognisant of the fact that many people are owners of the caravans on those individual sites and will want to avail themselves of the facilities that they are paying for.
“What is your estimation is of the dates on which these holiday caravan parks will be able to reopen their businesses so that people can plan to enjoy their holidays once again here in Wales?”
In his response the Minister said the Welsh Government will not be announcing dates.
He said:
“I'm aware that our neighbouring Government in England has decided to announce dates. Welsh Government will not be announcing dates, and I certainly don't intend to announce this afternoon any dates. But I will certainly take on board your point that we should make sure that all our businesses who provide such a valuable way of enjoying the Welsh countryside, as is provided by the caravan and camping sites—that all these businesses are informed in good time when opening will happen.”
Speaking after the meeting, Darren added:
“These businesses need time to prepare for a reopening and they are incredibly frustrated that the Welsh Government is giving them no indication at all as to when this may be, particularly when tourism businesses in other parts of the UK have been provided with indicative dates. They have suffered enough in the past 12 months and deserve better.”
