Lancashire's tourism future is in our own hands after coronavirus crisis

Surveys show that the county’s hospitality sector could get a post virus boost of up to £306m in the county economy as residents wish to get back to the pub, dine out or have a trip away with the family within a week of lockdown measures easing.

The research from Caterer.com also shows that the majority of Brits (63 per cent) were keen to support local hospitality businesses as soon as possible, providing the right safety measures are in place.

But the county’s tourism and hospitality leaders have warned that even if the Government gives the go-ahead as hoped around July 4, the sector will need ongoing support from the public and the Chancellor until next spring if it is to survive.

In any case it is going to be safety first approach with reduced numbers,and consequently income, to maintain social distancing.

Rachel McQueen, Chief Executive of Marketing Lancashire said: “There is no doubt that the first places we’ll all want to visit when it is safe to do so, are our wonderful Lancashire beaches and the coastal attractions that make every trip to the seaside so enjoyable.

“Of course we know our tourism businesses need to be open as soon as possible, to make up for recent months that have seen many of them struggling to keep their heads above water.

“They have missed welcoming visitors and by the positive response to the campaign, our visitors have also missed them. We will continue with this campaign until Lancashire is fully open.

“I’m sure we all look forward to offering visitors the warm welcome which Lancashire is famous for, and to seeing a return to those 69 million annual visitors.

“We’ve certainly been tested as an industry but we’ve also shown resilience and creativity in the way some businesses have been able to diversify throughout the crisis. We will be back - we are Lancashire.”

Claire Smith, from Visit Blackpool the hoteliers association, said: “What Blackpool needs right now is the public to continue to adhere to the easing of lockdown more stringently to protect ourselves and our businesses in the future.

“If all goes according to the government plan then the Blackpool holiday accommodation sector is looking at a re-opening date of early July and to support the town’s successful launch we need to be able to offer the full “holiday package.”

“Blackpool is about entertainment and fun so we desperately need all our attractions, entertainment venues, theatres, pubs, cafes, restaurants etc. to open at that time too so we can pull together and support each other in trying to recoup some of the lost season”.

“Going forward we very much look forward to welcoming our much needed visitors back and add together our miles of glorious beach, wide open promenade and clean sea air with the amazing choice of attractions, entertainment and accommodation then Blackpool provides the perfect staycation.”

Mark Prada, chairman of the Bay Tourism Association, in Morecambe and Lancaster, said: "While it is very positive that the hospitality industry are looking to re-open on July 4, it will undoubtedly be at a very reduced capacity, with many restrictions in place.

"This will hinder the ability to make the re-opening profitable, but saving lives must remain as the top priority, so I think that, even with a fantastic staycation opportunity this season, many venues will still need some long term support until Spring 2021.

"This will avoid seasonal businesses having to survive through, what is perceived as a run of three winters in a row. South Lakes MP Tim Farron has been calling for similar support for his constituents in the Lake District, but for all tourism related businesses throughout the UK, who are faced with this dilemma."

John McIlwham from Ribby Hall Village at Wrea Green said health and safety of employees and guests was the priority.

He said: "We continue to stringently follow Government guidelines and have been working hard behind our temporarily closed gates to ensure that we are covid-secure for when the time is right and it is safe to welcome back our customers from the local area and also from further afield in Lancashire and beyond."

He said visitor economy businesses would doubtless be bringing in, as they are, strict hygiene routines and contactless checking in and payments.

He added: “Just this week we have finalised details of how we have adapted our self-catering holiday offering, comprising self-contained cottages and pine lodges - ensuring the safety of our guests.

"We are proud of our location and extremely grateful that we also have a large range of outdoor activities for our customers to enjoy, not only within our own 130 acres, but also on our doorstep, including both countryside and coastal walks.”