More than 70 businesses in Mid Wales are calling on the First Minister for clear guidance on when tourism in Wales can be reopened.

They have written an open letter to Mark Drakeford stating that continued lockdown is out of step with the rest of the UK and the ‘stay away’ message is causing "irreparable damage" to the industry.

"These policies are now causing catastrophic damage to the whole industry," the businesses say. "The current position is jeopardising the whole tourism economy, the survival of many businesses and has potential for the loss of thousands of jobs".

Many tourism businesses in Mid Wales are seasonal with over 60 per cent of their income generated in the summer. The letter states that if tourism is restricted during the summer season, additional financial help from Welsh Government will be vital.

They say current financial support from the Welsh Government has been a "welcome lifeline for many" but has only helped businesses cover some of their costs during the early stages of the crisis. The letter adds: "Whilst furloughing staff helps reduce redundancies, it does not cover the fixed costs to operate a business".

The letter was written and coordinated on behalf of local businesses by Simon Pickard, director and owner of Silver Mountain Experience near Aberystwyth.

He said: “The signatories to the letter are fully supportive of Welsh Government’s aim to protect the health of people in Wales. However, this must be viewed in the wider context of the ability of the Welsh economy to recover.

"We ask that Welsh Government now provides clear guidance and timescales to tourism businesses to allow them to reopen for the summer season; if restrictions are still necessary then a further package of financial support will be essential to allow local businesses to survive.

"We look forward to planning the ‘new normal’ and a gradual return to welcoming visitors with the guidance of Welsh Government.”

The Welsh Government has been asked to provide a comment.

List of Powys businesses that have signed the open letter

Bevan House, Hundred House

Bryncoch Holidays, Hundred House

Bryncoch Lodges, Hundred House

Lane Farm Bed and Breakfast, Criggion, near Welshpool

Gigrin Farm Red Kite Feeding Centre, Rhayader

Ty Morgans Group, Rhayader

Tan Y Graig Bed and Breakfast, Meifod

Pant Glas Holidays, Talerddig, near Llanbrynmair

Little Meadow Park Ltd, Llanbrynmair

The Old School House B&B, Llanbrynmair

The Old Vicarage, Llangurig

Aubrey’s @ The Clochfaen, Bed and Breakfast, Llangurig

Clochfaen Cottages, Llangurig

Luxury Lodges Wales, Trefeglwys

Builth Wells Wigwam Ltd, Llanddewifach

Tyddyn Retreat Mid Wales Venue & Holiday Cottages, Carno

Plas Dinam Country House, Llandinam

National Cycle Museum, Llandrindod Wells

Red Kite Touring Park, Llanidloes

Clywedog Caravan Park, Llanidloes

Trail Rides Wales, Staylittle

Newtown Textile Museum

Elephant and Castle Hotel, Newtown

Porthouse Wood Cabins, Newtown

Sunny View Caravan Park, Bwlch-y-ffridd, near Newtown

Pwllgwilym Cottages & Bed & Breakfast, Cilmery

Boutique Resorts, Caersws

Dyfiview B&B, Machynlleth