A PLEDGE to encourage safe and sustainable tourism across Powys has been backed by local organisations and businesses.

‘Addo- Make your Promise to Wales’ is an online pledge launched by Visit Wales in partnership with the tourism industry.

Wales will be the first UK nation to launch an initiative of this kind- encouraging visitors to sign their pledge to promise to help care and protect the people and places they visit.

People visiting Powys will be encouraged to visit responsibly, supporting local businesses and communities by planning ahead, avoiding overcrowding, shopping locally and caring for the environment around them.

Visitors will be encouraged to sign the pledge digitally and to share their commitment and experiences online.

The three key messages - Caring for each other, Caring for the epic land and Caring for our communities - aims to help people understand what they need to do to keep themselves and others safe when visiting Powys.

‘Addo’ will feature across Visit Wales’ digital and PR campaigns to reach a wide range of visitors. Visit Wales are also working closely with the industry and communities within Wales to communicate the pledge on a local level, including providing support through a business toolkit and assets for people to share on digital platforms.

Local businesses and attractions have been busy preparing to reopen by putting safety measures in place and gaining their ‘Good to Go’ official UK Covid-19 standard as well as signing up to the Visit Wales ‘Addo’ pledge.

Jessie Barstow of Forest Fields, a family-run caravan and camping site in Builth Wells said: "We are proud to support this pledge as it echoes so much of what we ask of our visitors regardless. It is indeed the little things that make a big difference; for us, our visitors and our local community.

It sets a blueprint for what all visitors to Wales should understand is part of the deal when coming to stay here. It doesn’t preach, patronise or lay blame, but instead encourages us all to work together.”

‘Addo- My Promise to Wales’ asks communities and visitors to care for each other and promise to:

- Look after my health- by regularly washing and sanitising my hands.

- Keep a safe distance from other groups- by choosing open spaces and respecting local rules.

- Act immediately if I feel unwell- by following advice, sharing information and returning home if I need to.

- Protect this beautiful land- by leaving no trace behind.

- Care for our countryside- by sticking to paths, leaving gates as I find them, and keeping dogs on leads when needed.

- Embrace Wales’ open spaces- by avoiding crowded areas and preparing for each adventure, come rain or shine.

- Become a part of the place I’m visiting- by enjoying the culture and language when I’m there.

- Enjoy the best Wales has to offer by choosing local businesses and buying Welsh produce.

- Help each place prepare for my visit, by booking ahead wherever I can.

The pledge can be signed virtually on the Visit Wales website.