As the uncertainty of a reopening date for Welsh attractions continues one of Wales best loved attractions is struggling to survive with all Welsh attractions facing the prospect of ‘three winters’ with no sign of any reopening date, or potential income from tourism.

Dan Yr Ogof-The National Showcaves Centre for Wales is one of Wales oldest attractions. The site is designated as a National Nature Reserve and SSSI and is the largest showcave complex in Northern Europe and its chairman Ashord Price fears for its future

“We are having to find over £80,000 just to mothball the caves during the present pandemic,” said Mr Price.

“This money is needed to maintain and preserve all the electrical and emergency underground lighting, along with pumps, ventilation fans, massive diesels and hydro-electric plants that provide the electricity for the three caves. The pathways in one of the caves needs to be kept free from the build-up of tons of silt and sand brought in by huge underground rivers.

“Since 1912 our family has managed to keep the showcaves open despite suffering two foot and mouth epidemics, numerous depressions and financial collapses, but Covid-19 is the most serious risk to the showcaves so far. We are fast approaching the point where our money is running out, and the outlook for our economic survival is at best 50/50,” he said.

“The caves when operating at the height of the season in July and August employ 62 local rural people. The reluctance of the First Minister for Wales to announce a proposed reopening date for Welsh tourism means that there is now a very real prospect that Wales will miss out on the vital tourism income obtained from visitors in July and August.

“It really is a crazy situation where England and Scotland have already announced their re-opening dates for tourism based on the same scientific advice that Wales uses.

“We also have self- catering units at the caves, but the information we are being given by the Welsh Government is truly bizarre!

“The First Minister is mindful to look at reopening self-contained units. However, when tourists come into Wales and arrive at their self-catering cottage, they can at present then only legally drive within a five mile radius of their cottage during their holiday!” said Mr Price.

“In our rural location there are no food outlets within five miles, so when they run out of the food they face the prospect of starving to death! Some holiday to remember! Only our Welsh Government could devise such an idiotic, nonsensical scheme.”

Mr Price explained that the showcaves has a PPE strategy in place and that risk assessments have been finalised and staff waiting to return, with the phone ringing constantly with tourists asking when are the caves will be reopening.

“The First Minister is rightly concerned about the health issues Covid-19 brings to Wales. However, from what leading scientists are saying we are going to have to live with this virus for at least a year

“Does he intend to keep the people of Wales lock up for this length of time? If so, Welsh people will have been protected, but in many rural areas there will be no jobs for them to return to, as businesses are already near to the point of collapse,” said Mr Price.

“The Welsh Government’s stance that “Wales is shut, So don’t Come, and don’t plan on coming.” is destroying Wales second largest industry”. The situation is a tragedy for tourism, and mass unemployment looms in Wales second largest industry,” said Mr Price.