WELSH tourism is suffering ‘catastrophic’ damage under the current lockdown measures.

That is the message from more than 70 tourism businesses based in Mid Wales which have signed an open letter to Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford, calling for clear guidance on when tourism in Wales can be reopened.

Among those signing up to the letter are businesses from the Cardigan and surrounding area, including Jet Moore, from Adventure Beyond; David Witt from Aberporth-based West Wales Cottages; Tony and Amanda Barber from A Bay to Remember boat trips and Steph and Paul Wynne from Cei Bach Country Club Touring/Tenting Park at New Quay.

Those supporting the letter argue that the continued lockdown is out of step with the rest of the UK and the ‘stay away’ message is causing irreparable and long-term damage to the industry.

The letter, written and coordinated on behalf of local businesses by Simon Pickard, director and owner of Silver Mountain Experience near Aberystwyth in Ceredigion,says lockdown restrictions, lack of clarity, and no timeline for reopening directly

contradicts Welsh Government’s claims that tourism is at the forefront if its mind.

This is jeopardising the tourism economy and the future of many business and could cause thousands of job losses.

Mr Pickard said: “The signatories to the letter are fully supportive of Welsh Government’s aim to protect the health of people in Wales.

“However, this must be viewed in the wider context of the ability of the Welsh economy to recover.

“We look forward to planning the ‘new normal’ and a gradual return to welcoming visitors with the guidance of Welsh Government.”

The full letter says: “We are writing to express our deep concern regarding the current situation with the Welsh Government’s position on the lifting of lockdown restrictions and restarting tourism.

“The current position is jeopardising the whole tourism economy, the survival of many businesses and has potential for the loss of thousands of jobs.

We are acutely aware that the Welsh Government must be guided by medical and scientific advice and fully supportive of its aim to protect the health of people in Wales. However, this aim must be in the wider context of the long-term health of individuals and the ability of the Welsh economy to recover.

“The ongoing restrictions are disproportionate and out of step with the rest of the United Kingdom.

“The Welsh Government is making statements to the effect that reopening of tourism is at the forefront of its mind, yet the restrictions, lack of clarity and no clear timeline contradict this.

“These policies are now causing catastrophic damage to the whole industry. The other three nations have a clear roadmap with timeline, yet Wales does not.

“Without clearly defined timescales it is impossible to make any firm plans for ourselves, our visitors, and our local communities. Welsh tourism businesses need a clear road map with timescales (albeit provisional) for reopening.

“Wales' message that "Wales is shut, don't come and don't plan on coming" has already done irreparable damage and will have long lasting effects for years to come. How will the Welsh Government reverse the current negative press that Wales is closed to visitors?

“Current financial support from the Welsh Government has been a welcome lifeline for many but has only helped businesses cover some of their costs during the early stages of the crisis.

“While furloughing staff helps reduce redundancies, it does not cover the fixed costs to operate a business.

“Many Mid Wales tourism businesses are seasonal with 60 per cent-plus income being generated through the summer holidays.

“Having already sustained substantial losses during Easter and Whitsun, if tourism restrictions are to continue during the summer, then further financial support from the Welsh Government will be essential to sustain businesses through the rest of this year and into Easter 2021 to have any chance of survival.

“At the present time there is a disconnect between ongoing restrictions through the summer, but no further financial support to help businesses if they are to remain closed or have been adversely affected by the ‘stay away’ message. This is grossly unfair when the other three nations are re-opening and puts Wales at a huge disadvantage.

“We are appealing for the Welsh Government to give clear guidance with defined timescales for the tourism sector at the next briefing on June 18 and to provide details of further financial aid that will be essential for businesses to survive if restrictions continue through the summer.”