(Harrogate
and Knaresborough) (Con)
What steps his Department is taking to support the tourism sector
during the covid-19 outbreak. [908249]
(North Devon) (Con)
What steps his Department is taking to support the tourism sector
during the covid-19 outbreak. [908254]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Digital, Culture,
Media and Sport ()
Covid-19 has had a severe impact on tourism, which is why we have
provided a range of targeted measures to see the sector through
this period. On top of the Government’s wider economic support
package, we have provided business rates relief and grants for
many in the sector, as well as a cut in VAT for tourism and
hospitality activities until the end of March. We are continuing
to engage with stakeholders to assess how we can most effectively
support tourism’s recovery across the UK.
Harrogate and Knaresborough is in the top 10% of UK
constituencies for hospitality employment. That includes a
significant number of teams at B&Bs and guest houses, which
are suffering from a lack of international visitors and the
closure of the exhibition sector. There is a market that could be
developed further to help, and that is domestic tourism. As we
emerge from the pandemic and lockdown finishes, what will the
Government do to promote domestic tourism?
I know my hon. Friend’s passion for tourism and representing his
fantastic constituency. As he knows, we currently need people to
stay at home to reduce transmission and to ease the pressure on
our NHS, but when holidays are permitted again, we will work with
VisitBritain, VisitEngland and local partners, including
destination management organisations, to champion the UK’s
diverse tourism offer, as we did with the Enjoy Summer Safely and
Escape the Everyday campaigns. We will continue to work with the
industry to provide guidance and assurance about when people can
safely go on holiday, as demonstrated through initiatives such as
the “We’re good to go” industry standard mark.
[V]
With the announcement of new restrictions until 2 December, will
the Minister outline the support that will be available to my
North Devon tourism and hospitality businesses that are
understandably worried about the months ahead?
I appreciate that my hon. Friend is a great advocate for tourism,
particularly in her constituency. I am fully aware of how tough
the new measures will be for the tourism sector, with businesses
having already faced many months of reduced trade. There are
significant packages of financial support in place, as the
furlough scheme and self-employed support have been extended for
the period of lockdown. Many businesses in the hospitality and
tourism sector will also receive grants worth up to £3,000 per
month under the local restrictions support grant scheme. An
additional £1.1 billion is being given to local authorities to
help businesses more broadly, such as those severely impacted by
restrictions but not actually forced to close.
