Gwynedd Council is urging tourists to stay home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The council has issued a statement today (Sunday) urging people to follow national guidance not to travel.

Gwynedd welcomes millions of visitors every year and the tourism sector contributes over £1 billion to the local economy but, during this period of emergency, Gwynedd Council leader Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn urged people not to visit, and to return home if they are already here.

By doing this, they will be protecting themselves, the people of Gwynedd and essential health and care services.

Cllr Siencyn said: “We are in an unprecedented period of a worldwide emergency due to the Covid-19 coronavirus.

“We urge anyone who is considering visiting Gwynedd and Snowdonia at present not to do so. This is to stop the spread of the virus and to limit the impact of visitors on health and care services which are already under extreme pressure locally.

“If you are already in Gwynedd on your holiday, in a caravan or second home for example – we urge you to return to your main residence and not to return to the area until the situation improves.

“We also urge owners of holiday parks, caravan parks and self-catering properties including Airbnb to close immediately for the wellbeing of all Gwynedd’s residents, and a letter has been sent to ask them to do this immediately if they haven’t already done so.”

Gwynedd Council Cabinet member for economy and community, Cllr Gareth Thomas added: “Before the coronavirus emergency, the tourism sector employed over 16,000 people in Gwynedd and it is impossible to fully comprehend what impact the virus will have on this sector and every part of our local economy.

“Gwynedd has welcomed tourists for centuries, and we recognise the important contribution they make to our area and in supporting our economy. However, we cannot welcome visitors at this time, and we ask politely but firmly that they stay away or return to their main home addresses, and to then come back to visit the area when we will have overcome the current situation.

“For the time being the message to visitors is simple – by leaving your homes and coming to Gwynedd now you are putting your health and the health of the people of Gwynedd at risk.”