Barry Island to welcome tourists back after lockdown restrictions ease

Welsh beauty spots are expecting an influx of tourists from tomorrow following the Welsh Government’s announcement that the stay at home rule is being lifted.

During the recent months of restrictions it has only been locals who have been allowed to enjoy what the area has to offer.

For some local businesses, lifting the travel ban and welcoming more people to the area couldn’t come soon enough.

For many businesses relying on locals alone just doesn’t bring in enough income and that is causing many businesses to worry about their future. 

Caitlin Taylor works at the iconic Marco’s Cafe on the seafront and says visitors coming to the area is exactly what the island needs.

“It’s been very hard to keep going with hardly anybody here but it’ll be very good for business and we can get more money in,” she said.

“I think it’ll also be nice for people to get out and meet other people.”

Although many people welcome tourists, it remains a worry for others. Some locals are concerned that an influx of people could lead to a rise in Coronavirus cases in their area. 

Gareth Lloyd, who lives in Barry, says he is worried this is too much too soon. 

“Just look at what’s happening in the continent at the moment,” he said.

“The numbers are going up. I think there’s a lot of pressure to get things open. I think we should be more locked down.”

It might not be the Easter we are used to seeing in Barry. The fairground is still closed and social distancing remains the norm for now.

From tomorrow, however, this beach and other Welsh beauty spots should see crowds flocking to them from right across the country.