3. Statement by the First Minister: Cabinet Appointments

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:19 pm on 19 May 2021.

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Photo of Sam Rowlands Sam Rowlands Conservative 2:19, 19 May 2021

Diolch, Llywydd, and thank you for the opportunity to speak today as another new Member here in the Senedd. And congratulations, First Minister, and to you, Llywydd, on your reappointments this time around.

Thank you, First Minister, for your statement. Similar to previous speakers, I too have noted the omission of the title of tourism within the title of a Minister within your Cabinet, but thank you for clarifying the point in regard to where that does sit for the Minister for the economy. I do want to say a few words about the tourism industry, though. As you will be aware, and as you noted in your response to Gareth earlier, the tourism industry is hugely significant for north Wales, the region that I represent, employing around 40,000 people in the region alone, and contributing around £3.5 billion a year to the local economy. So, with that in mind, I would ask: what measures will you be looking to take to ensure that this sector is properly supported to bounce back following this COVID crisis?