Blog Layout
Tourism Group meeting, Safer working guidelines and what the implications are for Wales
richardscamans • May 13, 2020
of what the FM announced on Friday and the UK Government on Sunday.
Views from Sector Representatives
2.1 UK Hospitality Cymru –Dave Chapman – main points:
- UKH would prefer industry-led sector specific guidance but with
WG giving the direction on public health aspects, and ensure alignment with the rest of the
UK to ensure no gaps, or confusion which would undermine confidence.
-Like WG UKH had seen the high level draft guidance, which needed further work to make
smarter with an appropriate way forward. All agreed that UKH should continue to lead at a UK level with input
from the group as required.
2.2 Wales Tourism Alliance – Adrian Greason-Walker- main points:
– to re-open the Tourism Industry in Wales, build visitor confidence and the
provision of informed information to enable consumer choices.T his was an
invaluable piece of work considering the issues around kite marking (such as legal
precedents, enforcement and putting the burden on the industry).
-There were already regulations and guidance in place on standards and so there needed to
be a balance between cost and benefit. How any new scheme would fit into
existing systems? It needed to be UK level and address specific issues highlighted in the
paper quick research would be needed.
2.3 WLGA – Steve Jones – main points:
-Agreed with sector-led, UK-wide approach. The environmental health profession would
need to support food and health protection.
-Would endorse WG working to UK principles, but to a Wales timescale, with LAs helping to
support the sector. Strong leadership needed from WG.
-very difficult for 22 LAs to regulate/enforce – but can give “seal of approval” .
-RH and PE said there were concerns around enforcement and much work to be done.
AGW said that enforcement was costly- it was better to have a balance between selfassessment and policy, but ultimate sanction would be prosecution but was rarely used.
-linking into “scores on the doors” was mentioned but needed to remember the lessons
learnt on this – there were clearly several options and we needed to engage widely on them.
- work was clearly in hand in WG and within the industry, but it needed to start with
Government – clear messages; kite mark might help but we all had clear roles, but needed
to work together.
2.4 Across the CST sector he had the sense that all were willing to carry out the
protocols once given the go-ahead; but JT wanted to be clear whether the sector wanted a
push for restrictions to be eased in certain areas – of course, ultimately the public health
advice would lead all decisions – but asked the group for any views. IE said that the traffic
light system VW had adopted was sensible demonstrating how some things could feasibly
open and when. JT asked to be informed when the traffic light system needed any
amendment for any activity or specific areas. IE added that golf was something that could
feasibly be brought back; Michael Bewick thought similarly of glamping; but only hand in
hand with tapered support from the Government through the winter.
2.5 AC suggested we might want to look at technological advances in terms of alarms
/sensors that alert you when you are less that 2m away from someone; ultra violet lamps –
there could be other things happening in this area which could help, and shorten timescales.
2.6 SH made a plea for the events sector/larger attractions not to be forgotten. There was a
discussion about what constituted a mass gathering. It was a real possibility that mass
gatherings would only return with a vaccine. SH also said that consistency in guidance and
rules needed to be cross-border and clear
.
2.7 JT reiterated that he was well aware of the pressures around furlough and
representations for it to continue were being made directly to UK Treasury.
Announcement!!!!
Useful information regarding the change that arrives in July
Christmas 2023
See the "About Us" page for more details on the benefits of becoming a member or
Join the LHA you can get involved in your local hotel community
Some Images Provided from Unsplash