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
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here