Queries regarding accepting bookings for the Easter period in self-contained holiday accommodation
As indicated in the last newsletter, following the latest review of coronavirus restrictions, the Welsh Government has also announced some minor changes to the current rules. Read the press notice for further information.
In the press conference of Friday 19 February, the First Minister’s statement included;
- The next review of the restrictions will be held in the week beginning 8 March
- We will have further discussions with the tourism sector about what may be possible if the public health situation allows
- Meetings are being undertaken with the tourism taskforce to discuss a phased re-opening starting with self-contained accommodation
Welsh Government will now work with the sector on the possibility of reopening self-contained accommodation in Wales as part of the next Review.
The final decision will depend on the public health position at that time and therefore we cannot give any guarantees that self-contained accommodation will be allowed to open and what travel and household rules will apply. We therefore need to remind accommodation providers that any bookings that fall beyond the current 21 day review period (which ends on 12 March) are at that business and the customer’s own risk. No bookings can be taken for the period up to 12 March.
With regard to booking enquiries from England, England’s COVID-19 Response update (published by UK Government on 22 February) states that;
- From 29 March, people will no longer be legally required to Stay at Home. Many of the lockdown restrictions, however, will remain in place. Unless an exemption already applies, it will not be possible to meet people from other households indoors and many business premises will remain shut. Guidance will set out that people should continue to work from home where they can. People should continue to minimise travel wherever possible, and should not be staying away from home overnight at this stage.
- From 12 April (earliest), overnight stays away from home in this country [England] will be permitted and self-contained accommodation - those that do not require shared use of bathing, entry/exit, catering or sleeping facilities - can also reopen, though must only be used by members of the same household.
Scotland’s COVID-19 strategic framework update was published yesterday (23 February) with further details to be set out in mid-March including the indicators that will guide decisions on levels, and the expected order of the reopening of the economy and restricted businesses. Under current Level 4, non-essential travel to countries outside Scotland is not permitted.
Northern Ireland’s update is expected to be published on Monday 1 March.
Alongside the position in Wales, it is important to consider the restrictions that apply in their respective countries, when fielding booking enquiries from prospective guests.
Coronavirus control plan: alert levels in Wales (coming out of lockdown)
The Welsh Government’s traffic-light Coronavirus Control Plan has been revised to take account of the emerging new variant strains of the virus and the impact of the vaccine programme. In the updated document, what has changed since December and what that means for decision making, is explained. The Control Plan describes the measures to control coronavirus at four Alert Levels. Wales is currently at Alert Level 4.
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.
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