The coronavirus lockdown has cost tourism in North Wales \u00a3100 million in lost takings over the Easter bank holiday weekend, it\u2019s been revealed.<\/p>\n
Jim Jones, the chief executive of North Wales Tourism, says many tourism businesses were telling them they may not survive the economic carnage caused by the pandemic.<\/p>\n
Traditionally, Easter marked the beginning of the main tourism season where operators reaped the rewards of their investment.<\/p>\n
The Covid-19 crisis hit at a time when the visitor economy was booming.<\/p>\n
There were record levels of private and public sector investment while the annual level of spending by tourists had risen to an all-time high of \u00a33.241 billion and the number of visitors rocketing to 30 million a year.<\/p>\n
Before the crisis the industry employed 42,000 people across North Wales \u2013 adding up to one in seven jobs in the region.<\/p>\n
But the industry had now ground to a complete halt with attractions, accommodation providers and events all closed down indefinitely \u2013 and no certainty there would be a summer season this year.<\/p>\n
Mr Jones said: \u201cTourism generates more than \u00a33 billion a year of spending by visitors.<\/p>\n
\u201cAbout half of that comes in the main holiday season \u2013 it’s estimated the amount of income generated over the long Easter weekend is \u00a3 100 million.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s causing particular hardship in our tourism sector across North Wales, is that it\u2019s come at the worst possible time.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany businesses haven\u2019t generated any new cash flow since October and they committed to general maintenance and improvements over the winter using extended overdrafts and loans with the hope of a good Easter break to kick start them into the season.<\/p>\n
The UK and Welsh Government have been extremely generous in an unprecedented provision of financial support.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, as you will see in time, it\u2019s not going to be enough. There are still a number of critical issues that need looking at, such as some banks are not helping businesses in this difficult time.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of North Wales Tourism Board Members was told, that because her business will not be generating any income in the next few months they were unable to support them<\/p>\n
\u201cNot getting enough cash flow into their businesses to help right now is the crux of the problem and will ultimately be make-or-break for many.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve heard from many businesses that even when they have closed the doors to visitors they still have huge overheads.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor example, the Welsh Mountain Zoo still have to care for their animals. Anglesey Sea Zoo, who have a globally important British Sea Horse breeding and conservation programme, still need to cover the cost of keeping all the plant and filtering systems working.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn a positive note North Wales has great resilience, and we will get through this. Tourism business here have a great sense of community and they pull together and work with each other.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have paused all our marketing activity for the moment, though brilliantly, the Great Orme goats have been promoting North Wales around the world on our behalf!<\/p>\n
\u201cOur organisation is starting to think about helping North Wales be future-ready for when this is over.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll the work that has gone into making North Wales the Adventure Capital of Europe over recent years hasn\u2019t been wasted and will give us a good platform from which to rebuild. We are confident that people will come back when the time is right.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut for now the message is loud and clear, stay home and stay safe and we hope to see you soon.\u201d<\/p>\n