An update from Bluestone CEO William McNamara
We are living and operating in unprecedented times. The coronavirus outbreak is already having a significant impact and this is a very challenging and worrying time for everyone. As an independent, local, family-run business, we recognise we have a deep responsibility to our guests, our over 700 members of staff and their families, and our significant local supply chain. We have been endeavouring to make the right decisions in incredibly difficult and ever-changing circumstances.
Yesterday evening the Prime Minister issued new guidance to the country on the ongoing public health emergency. This guidance includes measures to close pubs, restaurants and leisure centres.
In light of this, any potential risk to public health, and significant concerns among our guests, staff and the wider Bluestone family, it is no longer viable for the resort to stay open into next week. We have therefore made the incredibly difficult decision to close Bluestone National Park Resort to guests from this Monday, 23 March. We have contacted all of our guests on-site currently and those guests with future bookings to discuss their options. We will do our very best to speak to everyone individually as soon as possible, but we do anticipate this will be a very busy period for our teams so we very kindly request that you bear with us. We will ensure we speak to you as soon as possible.
We will be offering all upcoming stays between now and 27th April the opportunity to move their break or receive a refund. We really hope that many guests will decide to move their break so we will have an opportunity to welcome them to Bluestone in the future – I cannot overstate how much we appreciate your ongoing support. This has been – and continues to be – an exceedingly difficult time for hospitality businesses up and down the country and Bluestone is no different.
The welfare of our staff remains a key priority. We know this will be a challenging time for our dedicated team as well as our excellent local supply chain partners. We will be doing everything that we can to work together and support everyone through this period.
We remain determined and committed to protecting the future of the business. The Bluestone family – and our loyal guests – mean everything to me personally. I will do everything in my power to ensure that there will be no job losses.
We are determined to do all that we can to navigate the troubled waters ahead – and ensure that we are able to recommence full resort operations, and once again offer our guests lots of Free Range Fun, as soon as it is safe to do so.
We remain incredibly grateful to Bluestone’s guests, staff and partners for their understanding and support.
This is an unimaginably difficult time for the whole of Pembrokeshire, Wales and the United Kingdom and our thoughts are with those affected by this rapidly changing situation.
William
William McNamara
CEO Bluestone National Park Resort