Coronavirus: Tourism Industry Update

Visit Wales
Industry News

Wales Logo

News for the Tourism Industry in Wales

To subscribe to our newsletter, click here.

Having trouble viewing this email or to share, view online.

4 December 2020


Landscape

Coronavirus: Tourism Industry Update

Please follow the news reports and for latest advice regularly visit the Public Health Wales website and the Business Wales website


BULLETIN CONTENTSNew restrictions from 6pm today (Friday 4 December); First Minister announces latest coronavirus travel restrictions; £340m support for Welsh businesses; Freelancer Fund Phase 3; Transition Period: ICO updated guidance; What to expect when the HSE visits your business; The Pensions Regulator: A reminder of your workplace pension responsibilities


New restrictions from 6pm today (Friday 4 December)

From 6pm today (Friday 4 December) some additional restrictions will be put in place to reflect the continuing high prevalence of coronavirus in Wales. In particular:

  • restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs will be required to close at 6pm and alcohol cannot be served at any time. After 6pm they will only be able to provide takeaway services;
  • arts and entertainment venues, and indoor tourist attractions will be required to close.

Further information is available:


First Minister announces latest coronavirus travel restrictions

Travel between Wales and areas of the UK with high rates of coronavirus will not be allowed from 6pm today (Friday 4 December), First Minister Mark Drakeford has confirmed.  Wales’ coronavirus regulations will be amended to prohibit travel to and from tier three areas in England; level three and four areas in Scotland and the whole of Northern Ireland, which is currently in lockdown.

New travel guidance will be issued strongly advising people in Wales not to travel to other parts of the UK with lower levels of coronavirus – tier one and two areas in England or level one and two areas in Scotland – to help control the spread of the virus.

All travel restrictions within the UK will be suspended between 23 and 27 December to allow people to meet members of their Christmas bubble. People travelling to and from Northern Ireland will be able to travel the day before this period starts and the day after.

Read the announcement in full on Gov.Wales


£340m support for Welsh businesses as new coronavirus rules announced

A £340m support package has been announced by First Minister Mark Drakeford to support hospitality and tourism sectors and related supply chain sectors through the new set of restrictions being introduced from Friday 4 December. The fund will be split as follows: 

  • £160m ERF Restrictions Business Fund: To provide operating costs support for short term impact for up to 60,000 businesses that are materially impacted as a result of national restrictions. Linked to the non-domestic rates system. 
  • £180m ERF Sector Specific Support (operating cost) aligned to defined restrictions. 
  • Continuation of the local authority delivered Local Discretionary Grants.

The support available via this package is in addition to UK Government schemes.

Read the First Minister's announcement in full on Gov.Wales. 

You can also read Ken Skates, Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales announcement on Financial support for businesses affected by additional restrictions to commence on 4 December 2020.

Details and FAQs on the ERF Restrictions Business Fund and Sector Specific Fund are available.


Freelancer Fund Phase 3

Freelancer Fund Phase 3 closes on Monday 7 December 2020 at 5pm. In this phase we also support freelancers who work in events that have been significantly impacted by the pandemic, including those working in weddings and corporate events, but not sport events.  You can find more details on the Business Wales website.


Transition Period: ICO updated guidance for businesses and organisations

If your organisation sends or receives personal information to or from countries in the EU, you need to act now to ensure that data flow can lawfully continue.  It’s important you make sure your organisation is properly prepared for all exit scenarios, whether you’re a sole trader or small business or a large multi-national.  Visit the Business Wales website for more details.


What to expect when the HSE visits your business

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have produced guidance for those in business who have duties under health and safety law, for example, employers and those in control of workplaces.  It explains what you can expect when a health and safety inspector calls at your workplace.  You can find more details on the Business Wales website.   


The Pensions Regulator: A reminder of your workplace pension responsibilities

The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has continued to monitor pensions throughout the pandemic crisis, making sure they support employers and savers during this difficult time. While your business might have changed due to COVID-19, your responsibilities towards your staff haven’t.  Whether your staff are working or on furlough, they shouldn’t miss out on a pension.  Visit the Business Wales website for more details.    



Useful COVID-19 information

As each premises is different, businesses should read all guidance to understand the measures to be considered to re-open the business safely. These continue to be updated so please check back regularly for the latest information.


Stay up to date with tourism industry news

We are committed to providing the support and assurance the business community needs during these unprecedented difficult times and have issued several Coronavirus (COVID-19) related bulletins which can be found on the Tourism Industry Coronavirus (COVID-19) Bulletins page. 


Business Wales is providing businesses with tailored support and advice about dealing with coronavirus, from financial and supply chain planning to advice on staffing issues. We would advise Tourism businesses and stakeholders in Wales wanting specific guidance to visit the Business Wales website or call Business Wales helpline on 03000 6 03000, and to regularly visit the Public Health Wales website for up-to-date public health information for you, your staff and your visitors.


HomepageFacebookTwitterInstagram