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Welsh Government considering tourism announcement for July

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PEMBROKESHIRE’s tourism businesses, so badly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, were given a small measure of hope for the summer season on Wednesday (June 10).

Tourism in Wales is collectively responsible for over £6.2Billion to Welsh GDP and over 172,000 jobs.
During the Welsh Government’s daily media briefing, Minister for the Economy Ken Skates cautiously pencilled-in July 9 as the date when the Welsh Government could announce the easing of lockdown restrictions for tourism in Wales.

He did so after reminding the public the five-mile limit on travel could be tailored to local needs. For example, if the nearest supermarket is ten miles away, ten miles is ‘local to you’.

Addressing a question from ITV Wales’ Adrian Masters, Ken Skates referred to the consistent approach of the Welsh Government to easing lockdown restrictions and highlighted the perils of making policy ‘on the hoof’ in the way the Westminster Government did over schools’ reopening.

He said that non-essential retail should have taken a hint on timelines from the last restriction review, which gave a date at which non-essential retail restrictions could be eased.

Mr Skates said the important factor was that the public needed confidence that it was safe to reopen tourist attractions so, when the time came, the public would be ready to go to them.

A subsequent question from Paul Martin from BBC Wales picked up the Minister’s words on tourist attractions and asked when restrictions on travel might be lifted.

Mr Skates responded: “As we look to reopen the tourism sector, we will have to review our current guidance. We must not ruin the prospects of the visitor economy for 2021 by prematurely opening up the economy in the summer of 2020. We have a regular rhythm of reviews.

“The next review point is on June 18 and the date of the next on July 9. In other parts of the UK, the dates being considered for reopening the tourism sector on July 4; in Northern Ireland, the date under consideration is July 20. There is no significant difference between us, other devolved governments, and the UK Government on the timing of reopening some parts of the tourism and hospitality sector. Our review dates are fixed and we hope to have positive news for that sector.”

Later the same afternoon, Conservative leader Paul Davies raised tourism with First Minister Mark Drakeford.

Referring to Mr Drakeford’s weekend comments which warned that Wales would remain closed to visitors until the Welsh Government’s scientific advisors approved a change in approach, Mr Davies said: “Your comments were met with some anger and frustration by some tourism operators across the country, who, understandably, fear that this could lead to the collapse of the Welsh tourism sector.”

Mr Davies spelt out his and his party’s understanding that public health concerns remained paramount, and asked: “Will you and your Government take the opportunity today to spell out exactly what the Welsh Government’s current plans are for the tourism industry here in Wales? And can you also tell us what discussions you’ve had with representatives of the tourism industry to ascertain how your Government can better support them throughout this pandemic? And will you commit to providing further support to tourism operators across Wales until they can reopen, to ensure their viability for the future?”

Mr Drakeford responded: “The future of the tourism industry is very much in my thoughts and in the work that we do within the Welsh Government. I absolutely appreciate what an enormous impact the virus has had on that sector here in Wales.”
He continued: “There are some ways in which we might yet be able to resume some tourism activity during the current season, but it will have to be, as Paul Davies has rightly said, with safety at the forefront of our thinking. We have very regular contact with tourism organisations and interests in Wales.
“I had a meeting only yesterday with the Minister responsible (Dafydd Elis Thomas), with senior officials here, reporting on those conversations and thinking ahead to what we might be able to offer in terms of lifting the lockdown.
“If it is possible, then, beginning with self-contained accommodation, where people are not sharing kitchens and toilets and showers and so on, seems to be a sensible and safe way of thinking about how we can resume activity in the tourism industry.”
In a debate on economic recovery later in the same session, Ken Skates said the Welsh Government’s message to tourism businesses – and all businesses – was clear: “You’ll be able to plan for reopening, where we believe that it can be carried out safely and that those physical adaptations that are required for a business to reopen, or an attraction to reopen, can be implemented in a timely fashion.”

 

Community

Milford Haven Sea Cadets celebrate offshore voyage success

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SIX CADETS from Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets have completed a challenging week-long offshore voyage aboard T.S. John Jerwood.

The cadets took to the water for a demanding but enjoyable week, gaining a number of qualifications despite difficult weather conditions.

The unit congratulated all six cadets on their achievements and thanked the Sea Cadet Offshore team for making the voyage possible.

A spokesperson said: “Voyages like this are only made possible by the brilliant Sea Cadet Offshore team. Thank you for the amazing work you do to allow this amazing opportunity to be possible.

“BZ all!”

The Milford Haven unit also thanked West Wales District Sea Cadets, South West Area Sea Cadets, Sea Cadets Offshore, South West Area Senior Staff Officer, and RFCA for Wales for their support.

 

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Nearly 100 attend Big Green Service at St Davids Cathedral

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COMMUNITY EVENT CELEBRATES FAITH, NATURE AND ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

NEARLY 100 people gathered at St Davids Cathedral for the Big Green Service, a celebration of faith, community action and care for the natural world.

The service brought together worshippers, local churches and chapels, members of the Cathedral congregation, and visitors from across the world.

Those taking part included EcoDewi, Erw Dewi, Hope Worship Band, the Cathedral Choristers, Canon Sheridan, Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, Mamgu Welshcakes, the refreshments team, Cathedral staff and volunteers.

Visitors also attended from California, Philadelphia, Belgium, Malaysia and Patagonia.

Organisers said the event was a reminder to be grateful for the planet and to continue working together to protect it for future generations.

 

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Community

Tenby 10k raises more than £20,000 for Paul Sartori

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A POPULAR Tenby road race has raised more than £20,000 for Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

Runners and sponsors taking part in last year’s Tenby 10k raised £20,559.07 for the Pembrokeshire charity, which provides hospice care to people in their own homes.

The race, organised by Waterfront Community Runners, took place in October 2025 and was well supported by locals and visitors, who lined the route through the town to cheer on competitors.

Laura Hugman, Chief Executive of Paul Sartori, has now received the cheque, presented by a selection of those who took part in the event.

This year’s Tenby 10k will take place on Sunday, October 25, 2026, on a closed-road, two-lap course through the centre of Tenby.

More than 400 runners have already signed up, with entries now past 40 per cent capacity and organisers expecting the event to sell out again.

Anyone wishing to take part can enter at www.waterfrontcommunityrunners.co.uk.

All proceeds from this year’s race will again be donated to the Paul Sartori Foundation.

Caption:

Laura Hugman, Chief Executive of Paul Sartori, receives the cheque from Tenby 10k runners and organisers.

 

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