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First Minister Mark Drakeford says tourism pundit Simon Calder was "naive" to call for people to travel to Wales - but condemned the abuse he received for his comments.

Simon Calder last week appeared on ITV's This Morning to talk with presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield about staycations for the upcoming half-term holiday.

He suggested some holiday destinations in North and Mid Wales for a quick getaway as other areas of the country remain under local lockdown.

But it sparked a furious backlash from people in parts of Wales with low Covid rates over concerns about visitors spreading the virus.

He said he had experienced some of the most intense abuse of his career.

Tourism bosses have been concerned of the impact this could have on efforts to promote Wales in other parts of the º£½ÇÊÓƵ.

Today First Minister Mark Drakeford was asked in the Senedd whether he would condemn the abuse he had received.

Mr Drakeford said: "I think his advice to people was naive but  I absolutely do not believe that pepole who speak on any subject should be subject to abuse and I regret the fact that that was the result of what he had said.

"I may not agree with him but he has every right to say it and he has every right to be respected."

Writing in a column in , the Mr Calder said he understood "the deep concern of any community that is fearful of outsiders spreading this vile virus" but also said there was a "tourism economy to support".

He also pointed out that Visit Wales was featuring mid Wales prominently on its homepage as a place to visit. The website also features Cardiff below that, which is under lockdown.