The Welsh Assembly Member for Aberconwy, Janet Finch-Saunders AM/AC, has today (7 April) spoken of her anger at holidaymakers who continue to ‘flout expert advice in visiting our region, placing an unnecessary burden on local NHS services and supply chains.’
Whilst commending the service for its work in housing front-line staff, Mrs Finch-Saunders joins a chorus of politicians calling on Airbnb to prevent bookings from holidaymakers throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
UPDATE: Please find an update from Airbnb in the attached PDF below.
Commenting on the situation, Janet said:
“I am angry to hear of tourists continuing to flout expert advice by visiting our region, placing an unnecessary burden on local NHS services and supply chains.
“I am a tremendous supporter of our brilliant tourism and hospitality industry, but my number one priority must be to help stop the spread of this virus, to protect our NHS and keep residents safe.
“At this time, my constituency does not have the healthcare infrastructure to cope with a very sudden influx of holidaymakers. I have been inundated by concerned residents who rightly believe that this must be prevented.
“Today, I urge online facilitators of tourism like Airbnb, to work to prevent bookings from holidaymakers throughout the crisis. This is particularly crucial in the run-up to the Easter bank holiday weekend.
“Whilst I commend the brilliant work that Airbnb has done to help house our brilliant NHS staff during this difficult time, it must work harder to prevent tourists from burdening our health services.
ENDS
Notes for Editors: