New government guidance supports reopening of tourism

The guidance, published by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, outlines the processes and facilities that businesses must put in place before reopening on 4 July so that both staff and visitors can be kept safe. 

The government noted that, 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; and
• In addition, visitor attractions will be instructed to introduce regular deep cleaning regimes across their site and some interactive displays will be temporarily closed.

The government also explained that a new industry standard will 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.

"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," said Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden.

"Our guidance will help the tourism businesses reopen safely, reassure locals and allow businesses to welcome guests back with confidence."

According to the government, 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.