Wales plans to open to tourists from July 6

Holidaymakers and daytrippers could soon visit Wales as the First Minister sets out plans to re-open the country's tourism sector and lift the five-mile travel restriction as early as July 6, if the spread of coronavirus continues to decline.

In a surprise announcement this morning, First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, signalled to self-contained accomodation owners that they should prepare to re-open over the coming three weeks. He said: "I know the wider tourism industry is keen to reopen and to salvage some of this summer’s season. I am therefore signalling owners of self-contained accommodation should use the next three weeks to prepare to re-open, working with their local communities.

“But I want people to know coronavirus has not gone away. We have some headroom to make this package of changes to the regulations, which will be introduced in a phased and cautious way in Wales.

“Many aspects of daily life in Wales will be moving into the amber zone in our traffic light system. But we all need to continue to take steps to protect ourselves from the virus – that means working from home wherever possible; avoiding unnecessary travel; only meeting with one other household outdoors; maintaining social distancing and washing your hands often. It may also mean wearing a face covering in some situations.

“It is thanks to the efforts of everyone in Wales that we have slowed the spread of coronavirus but we can’t stop now. We need to do all we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the virus and to keep Wales safe.”

The next official review date for these measures is July 9.