Holidays in Wales could return from Easter but restaurants and pubs will likely remain closed

Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford has hinted at what will be open in April in Wales, plus the potential return of holidays.

Holidaymakers could be able to visit Wales for Easter but they’ll find the restaurants, pubs and cafes to be closed.

The Welsh government is publishing a roadmap to reopening schools and the economy this week as Covid cases fall. 

As Easter approaches – a crucial period for the hospitality and tourism sector – Drakeford is pressed on what parts of the economy will be opening. 

He said a similar policy to last summer could happen first, including self-contained holiday accommodations such as cottages, lodges and some hotel rooms opening.

He added that he did not expect hospitality to be part of the initial reopening of the economy. 

Mr Drakeford told BBC Politics Wales: “I can’t imagine we will be opening hospitality in that way but I do want to recognise how important it is.”

When asked if outdoor hospitality could be allowed, he added: “What I think we are looking at for Easter, and I want to recognise how important Easter is for the tourism industry, are the sort of first steps that we offered last year where we were able to reopen self contained accommodation first for people and then demonstrate the success of that and move on.

“That was a welcome move last year.

“If things continue to improve and we are in that position closer to April then I hope we will be able to offer that but we will have to assess that in the conditions at the time.”

UK Hospitality has expressed concern for the industry explaining for every week the sector remains closed, more companies are being put into jeopardy and millions of jobs risk being lost.

The trade association’s chief executive, Kate Nicholls, said: “That is why we urge the prime minister to work with us on delivering a safe, swift and sustainable exit from lockdown for hospitality.”