July 2020 - Issue 16
Important WG announcement - More tourism & hospitality sectors allowed to re-open
Following the latest 21-day review of the coronavirus regulations, the First Minister has set out a phased timetable to ease restrictions for large parts of Wales’ visitor, hospitality, and leisure and tourism sectors.

Key dates for re-opening sectors announced today are:

  • 13th July - Indoor attractions*, larger gatherings and pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes outdoors
*Indoor visitor attractions, but a small number of underground visitor attractions will remain closed for the time being because of the higher risks associated with these environments.
  • Larger gatherings of up to 30 people outdoors only where these are organised and supervised by a responsible person for sports and other leisure activities and classes.

  • 25th July - Tourist accommodation with shared facilities, including camping sites

  • 27th July - Indoor cinemas, museums, galleries and archive services

Next formal review of the regulations is due by 30 July and expect announcement about how indoor hospitality can open from 3rd August. Detailed discussions about how indoor hospitality can operate in a coronavirus-safe way are ongoing.

Discussions are ongoing about how gyms, leisure centres, fitness studios and swimming pools can introduce measures to safely open. Further work is being undertaken by WG about the risk of coronavirus in swimming pools.



Balancing act for our tourism businesses preparing to re-open 
It has been a busy week for our tourism businesses as many prepare to re-open tomorrow following just under four months of closure. Implementing all the new 'Covid Secure' guidelines and putting in place the safety measures to keep employees and visitors safe has meant that many have achieved the 'We're Good to Go' award and MWT is now promoting this on our new Covid-19 microsite - www.visitmidwales.co.uk/covidsecure

We must remember that this is a phased reopening and that many of our businesses are still required to remain closed - indoor attractions, restaurant, cafes and activity centres. We know that some members have decided to delay re-opening for a variety of reasons including the financial viability of the businesses if they can only partially re-open, concerns for the local community if large numbers of visitors return and other personal reasons.
The 'new normal' - MWT PR / Media messaging
Without a doubt things are going to remain difficult for the foreseeable future and its more important than ever that we all work together.

MWT has been busy this week on the media front and many of you may have picked up on the BBC article posted this morning which features two of our member businesses and also Zoe Hawkins, MWT's Operations Manager. We have also posted a press release that has been featured in much of the local press across the region.

The messaging we want to get out to local communities that are nervous as Mid Wales begins to welcome back visitors is that our tourism businesses are responsible and taking all necessary measures to minimise risk to their protect staff, visitors and communities. 
Welsh Government weekly tourism task group – your feedback
Your feedback is really important and each week we provide our representatives on the WG task force group with key issues that have been raised during the week. 

This week we have highlighted issues about the re-opening guidance / requirements including Track & Trace pre-booking requirements for outdoor cafes, pubs & restaurants, WHO guidance for cleaning products, group bookings for family groups / households. 

We have also raised the lack of official WG Visitor signage for businesses, Wales Coast Path (Ceredigion) is the only section of the path not yet open and pressed for a prompt WG decision on the re-opening of campsites, indoor attractions and bars & restaurants. 

Please continue to keep in touch with our MWT team either directly by phone or email or share your ideas and thoughts with other members on the MWT Cymru Facebook group

VAT Reduced to 5% - UK Guidance
The UK Government have published guidance on the introduction of the temporary 5% reduced rate of VAT that will apply between 15 July 2020 and 12 January 2021. Please note the issues are complex and we suggest that you discuss the changes with your accountant asap!

The information reflects legislative changes on supplies of the provision of sleeping accommodation in:

  • Hotels, inns, boarding houses and similar establishments,
  • grant of a license to occupy holiday accommodation
  • charges for seasonal pitches for caravans - including supplies of facilities provided in relation to the occupation of the pitches
  • pitches for tents and camping facilities

Reduced rate of VAT for attractions

Eligible attractions for the temporary reduced rate of VAT include shows, theatres, circuses, fairs, amusement parks, concerts, museums, zoos, cinemas, exhibitions and other cultural events and facilities, but do not include admission to sporting events. Live performances that charge a fee to view online may be eligible, depending on circumstances and assuming they are not already covered by a Cultural VAT exemption.
More Detailed Cleaning Product Guidance
Members Deal For Hand Sanitizer

We have been in contact with Penderyn Distillery regarding their hand sanitizer options:

Prices for MWT members below:



MWT CYMRU FACEBOOK GROUP

If you haven't already, please make sure you join us on our MWT Cymru Facebook Members Group. There has been a lot of activity over the last few days with members sharing information. This is the fastest way to receive updates as they happen.