5. Statement by the Minister for International Relations and Welsh Language: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:54 pm on 10 June 2020.

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Photo of Caroline Jones Caroline Jones UKIP 2:54, 10 June 2020

Thank you for your statement, Minister, and for the work you're continuing to do, and may we all pray for peace across the world.

My region's economy, like many parts of Wales, is heavily dependent on the tourism sector, a sector that has been decimated by the coronavirus pandemic. The majority of operators in my region are microbusinesses, and the loss of earnings has been catastrophic. Unless we move to allow the sector to operate soon, many of these businesses will not survive. Minister, the Welsh Government have made grants available until the end of June, and, on these grants of £10,000 or £25,000, will they be a one-off payment or will more support be offered if the sector is unable to operate in June, July and August?

While I accept that public safety must be of paramount importance and that the tourism sector will be unable to operate as it did before coronavirus, there are many ways to mitigate the disease and still have a tourist season, provided social distancing is maintained. Minister, what discussions have you had with the technical advisory cell about how tourism and leisure can operate safely during this pandemic?

Many holiday parks in my region consist of static caravans, which by law have to be 5m apart. These are self-contained, with their own kitchens and bathrooms. Minister, will you consider allowing these parks to open in the next couple of weeks? Measures can be taken to minimise risks, given that this sector makes 70 per cent of its revenue during June, July and August. Minister, do you agree that holiday parks should be allowed to open as soon as is possible?

And finally, Minister, with quarantine measures in place for all those travelling to the UK, it is unlikely that we will see many foreign tourists this year. But, on the other side of the coin, it is unlikely that UK residents will be enjoying foreign holidays either. So, what steps are you taking to ensure that, when it is safe to do so, my region, and the whole of Wales, reaps the benefits of the inevitable rise in staycations? Thank you.