Tourism Businesses
Please refer to the gov site for the latest advice on working safely during COVID-19
Latest News and Updates
Please see the latest update on government measures to support businesses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in this VisitEngland newsletter from 25/09/2020.
New COVID-19 app launching to help businesses comply with contact tracing legal requirements
From 18 September, keeping a record of all your customers for 21 days for NHS track a trace purposes will be enforced by law. (Some exemptions apply.)
Launching from 24 September, the COVID-19 app will be available to help businesses comply with the new legal requirement. Customers and visitors in England will be able to check-in on entry with their phone instead of filling out a check-in book or tool specific to a business. This will allow NHS Test and Trace to contact customers with public health advice should there be a COVID-19 outbreak. Businesses who are already using their own QR system are being encouraged to switch to the NHS Test and Trace QR code. An alternative check-in method must be maintained to collect the contact details of those who don’t have the app, for example a handwritten register.
You should create and display a QR code if you are:
- A business, place of worship or community organisation with a physical location that is open to the public
- An event which is taking place in a physical location
Once you have registered for your QR code you are being encouraged to display the NHS QR code posters in a place that is visible on entry to the business. Find out more
Clarification over 14 September social gathering restrictions
Although groups larger than 6 won’t be allowed at venues, (unless they are part of the same household or support bubble) there are some finer details that will allow business to function.
COVID-19 secure venues can host more than 6 people in total, but not groups larger than 6 (unless they are all from the same household or support bubble).
COVID-19 secure venues will be able to host business events of up to 30 people taking into account Visitor Economy guidance, including social distancing requirements.
The intention remains to reopen exhibition and conference centres from the 1 October, but this will need to be continually assessed in light of the recent spike in cases.
If it is possible to ensure that groups of more than six do not mingle on a guided tour, it can go ahead. This would potentially be the case for a day trip or shorter tours of a visitor attraction.
To find out more about social gatherings and what people can and can’t do please visit the government website.
Updated guidance on working safely during COVID-19
Some changes have been made to the priority actions for businesses to take, including the updates on collecting information for Test & Trace. Tourism specific guidance is available for:
Please check your sector specific guidelines as there is additional information for each.
For all other sectors please visit the government working safely during COVID-19 page
For further COVID-19 updates and guidance for businesses please refer to the Visit Britain – COVID-19 business page
We Are Ready
The Visit Britain Business Advice Hub should be your first port of call for industry advice, insights and information. They have an abundance of resources including guidelines, statistical analysis, industry updates and more.
The new ‘Get ready to reopen’ page contains practical guidance to help businesses prepare to welcome customers back from 4th July.
You can also find helpful resources for local businesses on our Coast with the Most business portal. This is being continually updated with the latest information and assets and now features template print ready social distancing signage to help your business adhere to government guidelines.
If you’ve been working hard like many others to get your business COVID-19 secure, you can apply for the official Visit Britain accredited ‘We’re Good to Go’ badge.
‘We’re Good to Go’ is A UK-wide industry standard mark helping businesses to reassure customers that they have adhered to Government and public health guidance. Filling out the online application form takes minutes.
Accommodation sites, restaurants and attractions can display their We're Good To Go accreditation to customers on their premises and online letting you know they've taken every possible precaution, in line with the tourism-wide specific guidelines. And if you’re a tourism partner we can display this badge on your tourism product page to help provide your customers with the confidence they need.
Food & Drink, Retail or Care business?
Register your business on CAPP Assist and help users feel safe when they visit.
CAPP Assist is a free app that allows users to check the capacity of venues before they go. Using live venue data the app is designed to help users shop, work, dine-out and visit care homes safely.
Users can also check in and out via the QR code function, avoiding having to provide their details manually each time you visit.
Plan ahead, Know Before You Go and visit Bournemouth with confidence.
Further Government Advice & Resources
The Government Business & Industry Page is a great source of information with guidance advice, regulation and general new updates. From here you can navigate to more specific areas.
The government have now published their guidance for the further easing of lockdown restrictions.
See what financial support is available for your business.
Find information regarding the Job Retention scheme for employers.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme template updates
Government advice for maintaining records of customers, visitors and staff in order to support the NHS Test and Trace system.
A new template is available for employers who will be claiming for 100 or more employees through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. The new form is for claims on or after 1 July.
