- Guidance on Tourism and the Visitor Economy, published
today, will help to get the tourism sector back up and
running so the public can safely take domestic
holidays and visit attractions on days out
- A new VisitEngland standard will ensure hotels, other
accommodation providers and attractions are compliant with
government regulations and guidance
- Timed tickets, cashless payments and social distancing
to be in use for indoor and outdoor attractions
The Government has outlined the measures that will allow UK
tourism and visitor attractions to reopen to the public,
paving the way for an economic boost to local businesses
and economies across the country.
The guidance, published today by the Department for
Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, outlines the processes
and facilities that businesses must put in place before
reopening on July 4 so that both staff and visitors can be
kept safe.
The advice will include guidelines for hotels and
accommodation providers - such as campsites, caravan parks
and short term lets – as well as indoor and outdoor visitor
attractions and conference and events centres. Providing
the conditions of the guidance are met, the wider sector is
currently expected to open from 4 July 2020.
The guidance makes clear that the following measures should
be put in place:
- Hotels and accommodation providers will introduce deep
cleaning regimes between guests.
- Meal services including breakfasts will be pre-booked
and timed.
- Timed tickets will be introduced for exhibitions, theme
parks, galleries and attractions to reduce the number of
visitors in locations at the same time.
- One way systems, clear floor markings and a queue
management system should be in place to maintain social
distancing measures at all attractions and help to limit
contact between both staff and visitors.
- Organisations will also encourage cashless payments
throughout to avoid cross contamination.
- In addition, visitor attractions will be instructed to
introduce regular deep cleaning regimes across their site
and some interactive displays will be temporarily closed.
A new industry standard will also be introduced by
VisitEngland for hotels, accommodation providers and
visitor attractions to reassure the public that businesses
are adhering to government guidance. This will act as a
marker to visitors that a venue is practising social
distancing, maintaining cleaning routines and has
undertaken a thorough risk assessment to protect customers
when on site.
Culture Secretary said:
Britain needs a break, and from July 4th people can now
take a well deserved staycation. We’ll need the public to
keep safe on holiday by following the advice we’re
providing, but there is no doubt this is the news many
have been waiting for. I am looking forward to a
British holiday myself.
Our guidance will help the tourism businesses reopen
safely, reassure locals and allow businesses to welcome
guests back with confidence.
VisitEngland Director Patricia Yates said:
Millions of jobs and local economies across England are
reliant on tourism so it is fantastic news that the
industry can plan with confidence to reopen and to
welcome visitors back safely working within the new
guidelines. Guidance is also being published for
conferences and events which builds upon the guidance for
the tourism sector and businesses.
This guidance will be for people in England. When visiting
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, members of the public
must adhere to the advice of the devolved administrations
at all times.
It is part of the government’s clear, phased approach to
recovering from the coronavirus pandemic, as outlined in
the Prime Minister’s roadmap.
Read the guidance in full
