Welsh Government issues updated guidance for tourism and hospitality

Welsh Government has issued updated guidance for tourism and hospitality to help keep employees and visitors safe from the transmission of coronavirus.

The guidance covers a range of working environments from hospitality premises and accommodation providers to outdoor and indoor visitor attractions, and a variety of activities and events.

It follows a phased move into Alert Level One. As part of the relaxation of restrictions, the maximum number of people that can meet outdoors in regulated premises is now 30 people, not including children under 11 or a person caring for someone participating in such a gathering.

However, the maximum number of people that can meet indoors remains as six people from six households.

Hospitality venues seeking to hold a regulated gathering, including events, must carry out a risk assessment and meet requirements in the regulations to take all reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus. 

The maximum number who may attend regulated outdoor gatherings is up to 4,000 people of any age standing and up to 10,000 seated.

Regulated gatherings will vary in size and the capacity for different gatherings will be determined by the risk and the reasonable measures which includes ensuring social distancing can be maintained.

The Welsh Government website includes a set of frequently asked questions around arts and entertainment venues.

Council Leader Huw David said: “With Wales currently moving into a phased way to Alert Level One and with low numbers of coronavirus cases, many people are enjoying the opportunity to visit new places and meet up with friends over a drink or a meal.

“To help keep coronavirus cases low, it’s vital for all businesses involved in tourism and hospitality to follow the guidance around limiting the risk of transmission.

“There are a range of resources available from organisations such as Visit Wales and Shared Regulatory Services to help businesses as they adapt to the ongoing rules and regulations, and as a local authority, we continue to make every effort to support businesses in a variety of ways.

“We have recently worked with partners to introduce a new seaside open top bus service in Porthcawl in addition to the highly anticipated return of the road train. Meanwhile we will soon be welcoming a number of stewards to welcome visitors on the seafront in Porthcawl and in town centres.

“The free parking offer has been extended at some of our council-maintained town centre car parks until the end of August, and we have also extended our concessionary rent scheme for market traders and occupiers of small industrial units.”

For more details on the latest guidance for tourism and hospitality, visit the Welsh Government website.