Ukraine Refugee Crises – Welsh Government seeking in-principle support from the tourism industry

An appeal to the industry: 
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I'm sure we are utterly appalled at what is happening in Ukraine.  We all feel for those women, children and elderly people who have fled, leaving their fathers, brothers and sons to fight an unjust war. Countries across the world have started to offer sanctuary to Ukrainian refugees, including the UK and, specifically, Wales.
 
I know we may not feel particularly well-disposed towards Welsh Government at the moment, but they have asked for our help.  They are drawing up plans as speedily as possible to find suitable temporary accommodation for refugees who have been forced to abandon their homeland.
 
As we approach high season, many of your businesses will not have spare capacity anyway.  However, if you think you might be able to help at least in-principle at this stage, even for a short period, please let us know.  Although there are no details as yet, there will be a financial package offered to anyone who is a position to offer accommodation.
 
The refugees are mainly women, their children and their elderly relatives.  So that they are not isolated or separated, Welsh Government is looking for hotels, B&Bs and larger self-catering properties, including static parks or clusters of self-catering properties perhaps in the same village.  You can understand why these desperate people will start to recover better if they know there are other Ukrainians nearby.
 
Time is short and so I would be very grateful if you could give this some urgent thought, consult your own members and come back to me ([email protected]) this week.  
 
This is about offering a hand to people who need our help.  If we can respond positively, it also underlines how important the holiday accommodation sector is to Wales's reputation not just its economy and national wellbeing.  I'm sure we will all make sure they remember that when it comes to other discussions with them.
 
I look forward to hearing from you in the next few days.
 
Best Wishes
 
Suzy
 
Suzy Davies
Chair – Wales Tourism Alliance