Over 70 tourism businesses based in Mid Wales have signed an open letter to Mark Drakeford MS, the Welsh First Minister, calling for clear guidance on when tourism in Wales can be reopened, stating that 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, 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.

Many tourism businesses in Mid Wales are seasonal with over 60 per cent of their income generated in the summer.

The letter states that if tourism is restricted during the summer season, additional financial help from Welsh Government will be vital.

Simon 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 ask that Welsh Government now provides clear guidance and timescales to tourism businesses to allow them to reopen for the summer season; if restrictions are still necessary then a further package of financial support will be essential to allow local businesses to survive.

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