Thank you, Mr Hefin David, for submitting today's debate. As we all know, and has been outlined already, the tourism industry is vital to Wales's economic prosperity. For me in north Wales and for the region I represent, it employs around 40,000 people, contributes around £3.5 billion a year to the local economy and, as such, it's really welcome, the cross-party focus and support for the sector here this afternoon.

It is worth reflecting that the pressures in this sector from the COVID-19 pandemic haven't gone away and they are still there. I mean, it was this time last year when there were real pressures in the sector. And we're talking about nearly 100 per cent of businesses within the tourism and hospitality sector having to close for a prolonged period of time, with around 80 per cent of staff being furloughed. So, whilst it's been mentioned, the positives around seeing a boom here this summer, that is off the back of a very, very difficult time for the sector, and that can't be dismissed quickly. And, as the motion states, now is the time for Welsh Government to work with representatives of the small business and tourism community to promote Wales as a tourism destination all year round. Because holidaying abroad, as we know, is unclear at the moment and not easy to achieve, I suppose. It's a big opportunity now to make Wales a destination, and, as we know, once you go somewhere on holiday, you're very likely to repeat going there. So, attracting a new audience, a new group of customers into Wales, is a huge opportunity over this summer and years to come.

On the year-round point—and I thank the Member for including that within the motion today—because I think that's one of the key strategic items that should be explored, because that is what's going to make the sector and industry more sustainable throughout Wales. And, indeed, Members have taken the opportunity to mention some of the tourism businesses in their patch, and I'll mention a couple that I went to recently. It was really good to see the Penderyn whisky distillery open up in Llandudno, which I'm sure Members would appreciate a visit to from time to time, but that is an indoor attraction in a seaside resort, which actually allows an all-year-round visitor attraction. Similarly, Surf Snowdonia or Adventure Parc Snowdonia down the Conwy valley—I had the privilege of opening their new hotel, the Hilton hotel, there, alongside their indoor adrenaline activities. It's an all-year-round experience, which will make that business and the whole sector more sustainable. So, I think that's a real key point that the Member has brought forward today, and I welcome and appreciate the Government support for those businesses as well.

The other part that is worth mentioning—and I certainly welcome Welsh Government's support on, in collaboration with the UK Government—is work on the economic ambition board in north Wales, because, within that, for example, there's a tourism academy proposed to be built. The skills needed in the tourism sector are really important, because, if we upskill that sector, we'll create better jobs and better quality tourism attractions, which then, in turn, creates a stronger economy for that sector. So, I think they're the two big strategic areas that I would ask the Member, in his furious note taking, to put under the strategic section.

Under the immediate areas, I'm not going to comment on a tourism tax, because I'm sure you're quite clear on the position on this side of the Chamber, but I think there are three quick points that I'll make that would make an immediate impact to the sector. The first is a real clear road map through the summer and beyond for those businesses, because they need to plan as long as possible into the future. The second is a review of the social-distancing measures, because actually that particular regulation in Wales is making things less competitive compared to other countries within the United Kingdom. And the third is that there is a desperate need for support in recruitment into the industry at the moment. Many of those businesses are struggling to recruit staff, and, if there are actions that Welsh Government could take to support that, that would be welcome.

So, just to bring things to a conclusion, it is a vitally important sector for us here in Wales. I am delighted, of course—a quick plug here—to hold the inaugural meeting of the cross-party group on tourism tomorrow. So, all those Members, I'm sure it's in your diary; I look forward to seeing you there tomorrow afternoon. There are huge opportunities for us to take over the coming months to support the tourism sector, see growth, but also see some sustainable growth as well through those key strategic items that I mentioned as well. Diolch yn fawr iawn.