A YEAR of lockdowns has had a significant impact on Wrexham's tourism sector.

The latest STEAM - a tourism economic impact modelling process - data headlines show the total economic impact of tourism on Wrexham County in 2020 was £40.3m.

This is a reduction of 66.1 per cent on 2019 data.

Regionally this was a reduction of 62 per cent.

Overnight accommodation experienced a 70.5 per cent loss - in Wrexham county it was a loss of 61.5 per cent.

Total visitor numbers to Wrexham County were down by 69 per cent compared to 2019. Regionally this was down by 64 per cent.

It is not all bad news, this week the tourism sector has received a boost with the re-opening of indoor hospitality and attractions from Monday.

Social distancing measures are still required where possible and full guidance is available for those working in the trade.

Test events are also being rolled out this month, following earlier pilots at Theatre Clwyd in Flintshire, although none are scheduled for Wrexham.

The first coronavirus recovery briefing from Wrexham Counci said: "Our marketing messaging focuses around visiting Wrexham safely and considerately now that all borders and UK trail restrictions have eased. "Those in the accommodation sector locally are experiencing high-volumes of bookings from ‘staycationers’ in the UK and research from the Great Britain Tourism Survey indicates that North Wales accommodation providers should have a busy summer period.

"Finally, the Wrexham Visitor Information Centre on Chester Street is starting staggered re-opening with a front Helpdesk serviced in operation from 18th May. There will not be any retail or events in the new unit until later this summer - but a reduced staffed service will be a welcome re-addition to support the re-opening of Wrexham Town Centre."