Visit England has launched a new UK-wide industry standard that will provide a ‘ring of confidence’ for tourism businesses as the sector works towards reopening on 4 July.
The ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry standard and supporting mark, introduced by in partnership with national tourist organisations, means businesses can demonstrate 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.
The scheme is free to join and open to all businesses across the industry. Local tourism businesses are being encouraged to apply for the new standard to ensure they are COVID-secure and ready to welcome visitors.
Income generated by tourism is worth over £2 billion to the D2N2 local economy and supports over 60,000 FTE employees.
Some of the schemes D2N2 has contributed towards include Nottingham Castle, Buxton Crescent, The Museum of Making, and The Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre.
Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire said: “We’re encouraging all local tourism businesses to apply for the ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry standard, which will play a vital role in ensuring visitors can enjoy a holiday in the Peak District and Derbyshire this summer and be confident they can do so with peace of mind.
“We know that businesses are already working incredibly hard to prepare for reopening on 4 July, and this new industry standard provides a welcome boost of confidence for the sector and added reassurance for our visitors that we are putting all the right measures in place.”
Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is funded via the European Regional Development Fund via D2N2.
‘We’re Good to Go’
To obtain the mark you must complete a self-assessment through an online platform including a check-list confirming you have implemented the necessary measures, before receiving certification and the ‘We’re Good To Go’ mark for display in your premises and online.
Your business will be assessed according to your respective national guidance including the social distancing and cleanliness protocols that must be in place. In England businesses align with the UK Government’s official guidance for the sector including ‘Working Safely during COVID-19: Visitor Economy’.
The Government’s guidance outlines the processes and facilities that tourism businesses in England need to put in place before re-opening.
These include:
- Hotels and accommodation providers will need to introduce deep cleaning regimes between guests
- Meal services including breakfasts will need to be pre-booked and timed, and shared facilities will only be accessible to one family group at a time
- 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 should also encourage cashless payments to avoid cross-contamination
- Visitor attractions will need to introduce regular deep cleaning regimes and some interactive displays will need to be temporarily closed
An ‘alert’ system ensures that businesses signed up to the standard are notified of any changes to the official guidance. A call-handling service provides support and assessors will also carry-out random spot-checks to ensure adherence.
For more information on the industry-standard mark and how to apply go to the Visit Britain website.
