OUTDOOR visitor attractions in Wales will be able to reopen from Monday, July 6, if the requirement to stay local is lifted, according to International Relations Minister Eluned Morgan.

Popular destinations such as Big Pit, Caldicot Castle and Folly Farm will be able to welcome visitors once more.

National Museum Wales, who run sites all over the country including Big Pit and St Fagan's, said that while the latter will open from the beginning of August, the remainder of their sites will remain closed until later in the year.

Cadw, who own Caldicot Castle, have not yet specified when it will reopen again.

Folly Farm are ready to welcome back its loyal annual pass holders from 8 July and will open to all on 13 July.

Zoe Wright, head of marketing, said:“We’ve been preparing for our re-opening for several weeks and are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to Folly Farm, safely.

“We’ve been hugely encouraged by the support we’ve received from our visitors and our local community. Lots of local accommodation providers have been sharing our staying safe re-opening guide ahead of their guests returning.

Wales’ hospitality sector will also prepare to re-open outdoors from July 13.

Ms Morgan signalled the first phase of a planned reopening for bars, restaurants and cafes with outdoor spaces following a rapid review of the sector.

A final decision about outdoor re-opening will be made at the next review of the coronavirus regulations on July 9. It will depend on whether rates of coronavirus are continuing to fall.

The Minister will today also confirm the timetable for re-opening outdoor visitor attractions and the partial opening of the tourism industry in Wales for the summer season.

Subject to the forthcoming review of coronavirus regulations on July 9, the tourism sector is preparing to re-open self-contained accommodation.

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The Minister will today confirm the date that owners of self-contained accommodation can accept bookings is being brought forward to July 11 from July 13, to help with the pattern of Saturday-to-Saturday bookings.

Ms Morgan said: “Tourism is a vital part of the Welsh economy at a national, regional and local level.

“A successful, safe and phased return will give businesses, communities and visitors confidence to continue with the recovery of the visitor economy.

“We ask everyone who travels to and around Wales to enjoy their time here, but always to respect local communities. We are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to Wales – but we want everyone to Visit Wales Safely.”

Guidance to help businesses in Wales’ visitor economy has been published this week. Further guidance for cafes, bars and pubs will follow.

Visit Wales has also worked with the other national tourism organisations on a UK-wide industry standard and consumer mark to provide reassurance as the sector works towards reopening.

The Good To Go industry standard and supporting mark means businesses can demonstrate they are adhering to the respective government and public health guidance; have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment and checked they have the required processes in place. The scheme is free to join.