Wales 'absolutely safe' to visit says First Minister as self-contained holiday accommodations reopen

The First Minister said he is looking forward to welcoming visitors to Wales as lockdown restrictions ease.

Mr Drakeford said it is 'absolutely safe' visit Wales while the virus is at a 'very low end' of circulation in the country, however he urged people to continue social distancing and wash their hands.

Holiday-makers are due to arrive at cottages and caravans in Wales for the first time since March as some holiday accommodation reopens in Wales.

From today, holiday accommodation with self-contained kitchens and bathrooms, such as bed and breakfasts and caravans are able to open since lockdown began.

This was brought forward from July 13 to allow providers to take bookings from Saturday.

The First Minister Mark Drakeford visited the Vale of Glamorgan this morning to see how tourism businesses are preparing to welcome back visitors to Wales.

He said the crisis has had a ''profound impact on the visitor economy'', but he is looking forward to welcoming visitors.

''At a time when our businesses should have been experiencing a busy Easter, they were turning guests away. We are now cautiously reopening tourism in Wales in a phased way, which will give businesses, staff visitors and communities the confidence for a successful reopening. We are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to Wales and to see people from Wales revisiting their favourite places again and discovering new ones.''

Read more: The key dates you need to know as lockdown is eased further in WalesA phased return for businesses in the hospitality sector, including bars and cafes, will be given the go-ahead as long as coronavirus cases continue to fall in the country.

From Monday July 13, pubs, bars and restaurants will be able to open outdoors, as well as most indoor attractions. The First Minister has also said tourist accommodation with shared facilities, such as camping sites, can prepare to open from July 25.

Discussions about how hospitality businesses can operate safely indoors are ongoing, with plans for reopening from 3 August, if conditions allow.