The Prime Minister last night announced that tourism and visitor attractors will reopen in England from the 4th July, including accommodation services.
To give a boost to businesses, funfairs, theme parks, playgrounds, museums and attractions have opened for tourists since they closed at the end of March.
Tourists will not only be able to visit local attractions as the summer holidays start, but also stay overnight as accommodation services from hotels to campsites open to the public. Local services from pubs to restaurants will also be able to welcome reduced numbers to wine and dine.
While businesses cannot open until they are COVID Secure, the Government has already issued guidance online to ensure that the proper safeguards in place so that they can open as close to the beginning of July as possible. A new industry standard will also be introduced by Visit England, so that the public can easily see if the venue is carrying out the new rules.
Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, is urging residents from Gosport, Hill Head, Stubbington and Lee-on-the-Solent to support local businesses bounce back as soon as they open. While high streets opened their doors earlier this month, many local businesses have faced financial difficulties as they have remained shut to stop the spread of Covid-19.
Yesterday’s announcement will affect 355 businesses in Gosport, as the constituency has 175 accommodation and food services and 180 arts, entertainment, recreation and other services. Over lockdown, many businesses have adapted their services to cater for those at home and Caroline promoted those independent local restaurants and pubs offering new takeaway services on her social media.
She commented:
“It’s fab that so many will be able to open their doors to residents and tourists next month, as long as they are COVID secure.
“We need to support our locals, to help them get back on their feet and keep our local area thriving. I hope people get out to support the tourism and hospitality businesses which are reopening and which are so vital to our local economy and jobs.”
Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden said:
“This is a significant moment for the UK’s fantastic tourism and hospitality businesses and the bounce back can now begin on July 4th. Across the country people have been looking forward to taking a day trip, weekend break or staycation following their efforts in lockdown over the past three months. Britain deserves a break and I hope people get out, support tourism businesses and enjoy a break safely.”