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 CONTENTS: Written Statement: Changes to rules for international travel – testing arrangements; Autumn Budget 2021; What do you think of sustainable tourism?; Wales hosts prestigious International Golf Travel Market; UK Live Events Reinsurance Scheme; Wales. A Food Destination virtual workshops for November; Building a confident future for electric car users; COP Cymru – shaping Wales’ response to the climate emergency
Written Statement: Changes to rules for international travel – testing arrangements
In line with changes being made in the rest of the UK, I am today (22 October) confirming all fully-vaccinated travellers arriving in Wales will be able to take a lateral flow test instead of the current requirement to take a PCR test.
The changes will come into force in Wales on Sunday 31 October.
From Sunday 31 October all adults in Wales, who have completed their two-dose course of the Covid-19 vaccine and the majority of under 18s, who have travelled from countries which are not on the red list, will be able to take a lateral flow test, on or before day two of their arrival into the UK.
If people have a positive lateral flow test on their return from travelling overseas, they will be required to isolate for 10 days and take a follow-up PCR test.
People will continue to have the option of booking and taking a PCR test as the required day two test as they currently have.
The UK Government will introduce these changes for England on Sunday 24 October.
Read in full on Gov.Wales.
Autumn Budget 2021
The UK Government has published its Autumn Budget 2021. Here are some key points:
- from April 2022 the National Living Wage will increase from £8.91 an hour to £9.50
- fuel duty will remain frozen for a 12th year
- a 5% tax cut on draft beer and cider served from containers over 40 litres
- flights between airports in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be subject to a new reduced rate of Air Passenger Duty from April 2023.
- £121 million from the Levelling Up Fund for 10 projects in Wales including to revitalise the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site and redevelopment of the Theatr Brycheiniog Arts Centre in Brecon.
Further information is available on Spending Review leaves “gaps in funding” for Wales and Written Statement by Rebecca Evans MS, Minister for Finance and Local Government: The UK Government Spending Review and Autumn Budget 2021 (28 October 2021).
What do you think of sustainable tourism?
Audit Wales wants to hear from tourism businesses in and around Wales’ National Parks about the challenge of managing sustainable tourism.
Our National Parks are internationally important examples of how working landscapes can be protected. The concept of a protected landscape – a protected area within which people live and work – is of increasing importance in global conservation terms.
Find out more in our previous bulletin and please complete the survey here: By spending a few minutes sharing your views you can help shape the future of sustainable tourism in Wales.
Wales hosts prestigious International Golf Travel Market
Last week Wales became the first ever UK nation to host the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), organised by RX Exhibitions. The main event was the 3-day travel trade exhibition in ICC Wales where Visit Wales and 13 stand partners had over 450 on-stand appointments with golf tour operators and media, alongside European golfing destinations. The event also showcased Wales’s golf courses including the Celtic Manor’s Twenty Ten, Royal Porthcawl, The Vale and St Pierre Marriott Hotel & Country Club, as well as structured networking events where delegates experienced Welsh food, drink and culture whilst speaking to contacts and consolidating business.
Some initial feedback from delegates has included: “Been coming to IGTM 12 years, best destination (evening) event ever”; “best closing event ever“; “ so glad Wales stepped up to host it”; “you did Wales proud”; “never had so much wales (products)”; “It was the perfect return to golf tourism face-to-face meetings - really great event – very memorable”.
We thank all our partners for their participation in making this influential event in the golf calendar such a success. Feedback from some of those stand partners has included: “Brilliant event – see you at the next one”; “A very worthwhile week”; “It’s been such a productive and enjoyable week”; “Stand was brilliant”; “Thanks for putting on a fantastic event and for having the best stand at the IGTM”.
UK Live Events Reinsurance Scheme
The UK Government announced in August that it has partnered with insurers to deliver the Live Events Reinsurance Scheme. The scheme has been opened and will run until the end of September 2022. It will see the UK Government act as a ‘reinsurer’ – stepping in with a guarantee to make sure insurers can offer the products events companies need.
This scheme will support live events across the UK that are open to the general public – such as music festivals and business events. It will cover costs incurred in the event of cancellation due to the event being legally unable to happen due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Read on the Business Wales website and find full details of the scheme on Live Events Reinsurance Scheme - GOV.UK.
Wales. A Food Destination virtual workshops for November
Wales. A Food Destination is offering virtual workshops during November – fully funded for any business that sources, serves and sells Welsh food and drink.
Find out more on Workshops and Masterclasses for November 2021 - Food Skills Cymru.
If you would like to discuss further workshops specific to your area or activities, please email the Wales. A Food Destination team.
Building a confident future for electric car users
Ambitious plans that set out how the Welsh Government will be investing in infrastructure and working with the private sector to give people in Wales the confidence to make the switch to electric vehicles have been unveiled.
With already more than 1,000 public charging points across Wales, one for every six battery electric vehicles, the plans set out an approach to ensure that the number of charging points continue to grow to meet increasing demand as fossil fuel vehicles are phased out.
The EV Charging Action Plan also sets out how the Welsh Government will be working closely with the private sector, with the aim of delivering a charging point facility for every 20 miles of the strategic trunk network across Wales by 2025, providing further reassurance to electric vehicle drivers.
Read the announcement in full on Gov.Wales.
COP Cymru – shaping Wales’ response to the climate emergency
COP Cymru is a series of events that provide an opportunity for stakeholders and everyone in Wales to engage in important conversations about climate change.
All COP Cymru events will be broadcast live on the Live Content page. Registered delegates can also access ‘on-demand’ content, information on fringe events and other resources.
Read in full on Business Wales website and for further information visit COP CYMRU 2021.
Useful COVID-19 information
As each premises is different, businesses should read all guidance. This continues to be updated so please check back regularly for the latest information.
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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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