GWYNEDD Council has urged the owners of holiday parks, caravan parks and self-catering properties to "close immediately" following a surge in visitors to the region.

Gwynedd Council's leader Dyfrig Siencyn said it has already sent out letters to business owners in a plea to stop visitors including second home owners from travelling to North Wales amid the coronavirus outbreak.

He also urged those who have already arrived in the area to return home "until the situation improves".

It comes as Snowdonia witnessed its busiest day "in living memory" on Saturday - just 24 hours after Prime Minister Boris Johnson issued tighter measures over 'non-essential' travel.

There is concern that the number of visitors could place further strain on GP surgeries and hospitals.

Gwynedd's tourism sector welcomes millions of visitors every year, employing 16,000 people and contributing over £1billion to the local economy.

“We are in an unprecedented period of a world-wide emergency due to Coronovirus Covid-19," said Cllr Siencyn.

“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.”

Gareth Thomas, Gwynedd Council's cabinet member for economy and community, said it is "impossible to fully comprehend" the impact that business closures will have on the local economy, however it is the right course of action to take.

“Gwynedd has welcomed tourists for centuries, and we recognise the important contribution they make to our area and in supporting our economy," he said.

"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.”

Further information about changes to local services in Gwynedd can be found at www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/coronavirus