The boss of a Mid Wales tourism organisation has welcomed moves to start reopening tourism businesses in the region.

First Minister Mark Drakeford announced today that travel restrictions in Wales will be lifted on July 6, allowing journeys to outdoor tourist attractions and destinations.

Bookings for self-contained accommodation and visits to caravan holiday parks will be allowed from July 13 – although he said this would be at the businesses' "own risk" with further details due in the next review of the lockdown on July 9.

“We are relieved that at least some of our member businesses are going to be able to reopen from July 6, but it’s just the first step on a very long journey to the new normal for our sector,” said Val Hawkins, from MWT Cymru.

“Today’s announcement is down to the hard work that the Wales Tourism Alliance, of which MWT Cymru is a member and others have been doing behind the scenes with Visit Wales throughout the pandemic lockdown.”

Mrs Hawkins stressed that a huge combined effort by the Welsh Government, local authorities, communities, businesses and everybody involved in the tourism sector will be needed to ensure that Mid Wales is ready to welcome back visitors from July 6.

“Our members take public security and safety seriously and will take all the necessary measures to keep our businesses, employees, visitors and communities safe,” she added. “It’s vital that everybody continues to follow the public health advice and guidance from the Welsh Government to stop the spread of Covid-19.

“The pandemic is having a huge impact on the tourism industry due to the loss of income and continued restrictions imposed on many businesses. We must now all focus on our marketing to ensure that people are aware that Mid Wales is reopening to visitors from July 6."

Rowland Rees-Evans, MWT Cymru’s chairman, said: “Having already lost a big chunk of the season, we are relieved that the Welsh Government has now set out a roadmap to reopen the industry.

“I believe we can run our businesses safely by putting in place measures to stop the spread of the virus and we look forward to welcoming our customers and friends back in July.”

The tourism sector is worth £864.5 million a year to the Powys economy, supporting 11,662 jobs and attracting around 4.69 million visitors.