Chair, Wales Tourism Alliance hopes if early Omicron trend data correct with less severe consequences that new measures can be withdrawn as quickly as introduced.

‘The Chair of the Wales Tourism Alliance, which represents c6,000 tourism businesses across Wales has called the Welsh Government's announcement on the latest covid restrictions "an improvement" on the decisions made last year. Suzy Davies also hopes that if early trend data continues to show that with Omicron taking over from Delta with less severe consequences then the new measures can be withdrawn as quickly as they have been introduced.
 
Suzy Davies said: "We recognise that protection from Covid is the number one concern at the moment.  Our argument has always been that you can protect the public without damaging a major source of jobs and communities' small businesses. 
 
We are pleased that the response this year is more measured, with smaller holiday accommodation largely unaffected and a more realistic approach to the application of the rule of six in hospitality venues with the removal of the family bubble requirement.
 
However, it is also welcoming to hear today that early data is trending toward Omicron taking over from Delta with less severe consequences. We therefore hope that the Welsh Government rolls back the new measures as quickly as they have been introduced, if this trend continues.
 
It has also been an important recognition by government that tourism businesses are key players in the livelihoods of many communities: It is their residents who ultimately lose out not just the business owners themselves. However, there is no doubt that these measures reduce capacity and it is absolutely right that businesses are duly compensated.
 
There is also no doubt that confusion and anxiety built into both governments' messaging has contributed widespread cancellations throughout his Christmas period.  I am pleased, then, to see the WTA's call for the pre-restrictions period being recognised in the funding package announced.  Although applications can be made from January, support for losses from mid-December are being taken into account”.
 
She continued: "We were very pleased to see that money coming to Wales on the back of Treasury announcements to support hospitality and retail are being applied in a very similar way by Welsh Government”.  
 
"The extra year of rates relief for smaller tourism businesses and another 60m announced today will be make or break support for many small businesses.  It is not clear yet whether the 60m announced earlier in the week, is additional or wrapped up in the other two announcements made on the back of the Chancellor's statements.  Either way, both the rates relief and top up grants must be straightforward to claim and swiftly paid out."
 
ENDS
 
 
Note to Editors: For contact call Suzy Davies Direct on 07540 964678. Further information on the WTA can be found on Wales Tourism Alliance website: - http://www.wta.org.uk. Further contact e-mail [email protected].