CEO Joss Croft has commented on Government’s announcement to reopen tourism and hospitality businesses in July:
“Today’s announcement that pubs, restaurants, hotels and attractions can officially open on 4 July will come as a huge relief to businesses across the tourism and hospitality industry, who have earned very little revenue since the beginning of March. Reducing social distancing from two metres to one will also ensure that many more businesses will be able to viably reopen at the start of next month.
“We’re pleased that the Government has also listened to industry and is on the verge of agreeing ‘air corridors’ with a number of countries – a welcome step that signals that the UK’s inbound tourism industry is keen to welcome international tourists again. Although these measures are very much to be welcomed, Government needs to recognise that whilst some businesses will hopefully be able to re-coup a small proportion of their losses over the much shorter summer season, many businesses, especially those that rely wholly or mostly on inbound tourism, will have gone through the equivalent of ‘three winters’ and will need further financial support if they are to survive and continue to drive jobs and growth across the UK.”
