Janet Finch-Saunders MS – the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – has spoken of her concern that a lack of recovery roadmap is having clear mental health repercussions on local business owners.  

As reported in the March 2021 Welsh Tourism Barometer, nearly half of business owners interviewed reported an increase in stress and 20% have lost savings trying to keep their businesses going. Owners in North Wales seem to have been particularly hard hit by stress, with 60% reporting an increase. 

Addressing this mental health crisis, Janet said: 

“With this barometer recognising that approximately 19% have lost savings of their own trying to keep their business afloat, and 97% of respondents saying that their takings were down in 2020, it should come as no surprise that so many are reporting mental health concerns. 

“That three in four North Wales operators are taking advance bookings speaks to the resolve and resilience of the industry, as well as the alluring draw of North Wales as a holiday resort. However, many still don’t know when they will be allowed to reopen.  

“Whilst England and Scotland have both published detailed roadmaps for re-opening, these core Welsh industries remain adrift. It is paramount that a dated window of opportunity is provided to our job creators, if only to realise the mental health toll that uncertainty is bringing.” 

ENDS 

Notes to Editors:  

• The March 2021 Wales Tourism Barometer can be found here. 

Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS