FIRST Minister Mark has told the Welsh tourism industry to spend the next three weeks preparing to re-open to visitors during mid July.

Speaking on BBC Radio Wales this morning Mr Drakeford said he had met tourism industry leaders on Thursday and warned that should prepare to re-open self-contained accommodation in Wales during July.

He stressed this would so far be restricted to self-contained accommodation because of the way coronavirus is believed to spread.

"If you have a static caravan that has its own kitchen or bathroom, if you’re renting a cottage or going to a hotel that has turned itself into self-contained accommodation, there will be a clear signal from me today that you should use the next three weeks to get everything you need in place, and you will be able to start taking bookings for after July 13," Mr Drakeford said.

Later this morning Mr Drakeford will give the go-ahead for all shops to open from Monday, so long as they comply with social distancing rules.

The reopening of outdoor courts for non-contact sports, such as tennis, is also expected although the five mile travel restriction is set to continue, unless on compassionate ground, until at least July 6.

The news of the lessening of lockdown restrictions comes as businesses in Powys warned in the Brecon and Radnor Express this week that their future is hanging in the balance, with Ashford Price of the Welsh Showcaves at Dan-yr-Ogof saying the centre could face closure if not allowed to re-open soon.