Welsh Government urged to provide North Wales holiday parks with date for reopening

The Welsh Government has been urged to provide holiday parks in North Wales with clarity on when they will be allowed to open again.

Speaking in the Senedd yesterday, Clwyd West MS Darren Millar said tourism businesses needed to know what the route out of lockdown would entail.

He also asked ministers to provide business owners with the answers they require.

Raising the matter with the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Dafydd Elis-Thomas, he 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, Mr Elis-Thomas 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.”