UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has set July 4 as the golden date for post-Covid tourism. Hotels and restaurants can fling open (sort of) their doors to much-needed visitors and holidaymakers.
But how can we be sure that the venue is safe to visit?
To reassure holidaymakers VisitEngland, Tourism Northern Ireland, VisitScotland and Visit Wales have developed ‘ring of confidence’ for tourism.
Good to go scheme
The scheme has set the standard across the UK in conjunction with over 40 industry bodies.
The “We’re Good To Go” scheme is a way tourism businesses can reassure clients that they are adhering to the respective government and public health guidance, have carried out a Covid-19 risk assessment and checked that they have the required processes in place.
Tourism minister, Nigel Huddleston, said:
“I want to encourage the public to experience a great British holiday this summer and be confident that they can do so safely. This new industry standard will show people that tourism businesses, destinations and attractions are adhering to the guidance. It puts safety first and is an important move in getting this industry back up and running.”
VisitEngland director Patricia Yates said:
“We want visitors to be able to enjoy their holidays and to support businesses to be confident they have the correct procedures in place. Our priority is to make sure tourism rebounds to once again become one of the most successful sectors of the UK economy and this ‘ring of confidence’ is a crucial step on the industry’s road to rebuilding.”
Every business that aligns itself to this standard-led scheme will receive certification and the mark to display in their premises and online.
Avoid the scams
Keeping an eye out for this certification can also help vacationers to avoid being scammed by opportunists looking to take advantage of keen holidaymakers by posting fake listings, bogus offers and fake adverts for caravans and motor homes on auction websites.
Katy Worobec, managing director of economic crime at UK Finance, urges holidaymakers to stay diligent:
“Criminals will exploit the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on people’s holiday plans to commit fraud, whether it’s advertising fake listings for caravans or pretending to offer refunds for cancelled flights.
“The banking and finance industry is working closely with law enforcement to crack down on these cruel scams, but we need others to play their part too. It’s important that auction websites and social platforms take swift action to remove fraudulent posts and listings being used to promote holiday scams.
“We would urge customers to also be on the lookout for scams and follow the advice of the Take Five To Stop Fraud campaign. Always be wary of any requests to pay by bank transfer when buying goods or services online and instead use the secure payment options recommended by reputable websites.
“It’s also important to question any emails, phone calls or social media posts offering refunds for cancelled holidays and not to click on links or attachments in case it’s a scam. Instead, contact organisations directly to confirm requests using a known email or phone number such as the one on their official website,”