Guidance needed for tourism businesses on reopening

Jamie Griffiths, Content Director for region’s largest commercial radio station, Smooth Radio North West, said the sector still required “greater clarity” on when and how they will be allowed to reopen as restrictions put in place to tackle the Coronavirus pandemic are eased.

A study by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) showed that 83 per cent of its members said they were aware of the Government guidelines on the gradual reopening of the economy.

Smooth Radio North West is sponsoring the Leisure and Tourism Business of the Year category at the Be Inspired Business Awards, The BIBAs, which is open for applications until the end of July.

Mr Griffiths said: “We’re proud of the leisure and tourism industry that Lancashire has to offer, and this sector is all about being up close and personal with the public. In the current environment that requires a lot more detailed thinking than some other sectors of the economy.

“We know that businesses will not reopen before July at the earliest, but as the economy does begin to reopen there needs to be sustained support as we navigate the ‘new normal’.

“There are a lot of support schemes out there which are most welcome and these will need to be adapted and updated and certainly not withdrawn prematurely.”

The BCC study showed just over a third of respondents said they could fully restart operations by implementing the government guidance, while 45 per cent said they could do so partially.

However due to social distancing guidelines, it is likely that many firms will see a reduction in demand and will not be able to restart at full capacity.

The BIBAs ceremony will now take place in December.