Enjoying summer safely to give our tourism industry a much-needed boost

After months of being told to stay at home, West Sussex, like the rest of the UK, is slowly but surely emerging from lockdown and it is hoped the Chancellor’s cuts to VAT will provide a welcome and much-needed boost to the tourism and hospitality industry – allowing residents and holidaymakers to enjoy the summer safely.
Fifty thousand pounds has been raised to plant 5,000 new trees. PPP-200524-171315001Fifty thousand pounds has been raised to plant 5,000 new trees. PPP-200524-171315001
Fifty thousand pounds has been raised to plant 5,000 new trees. PPP-200524-171315001

On July 8, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced VAT for all businesses in the hospitality, accommodation and attractions industries would be cut from 20 per cent to five per cent for a period six months. He also urged the public to ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ with a new voucher scheme to encourage people to support local restaurants throughout August.

With the schools out for summer and people looking for a break closer to home, hospitality and tourism businesses across our county are now hoping to recoup some of the major losses they will have suffered as a result of their closure during the coronavirus crisis.

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Sarah Stanton, has run Willow House B&B with her husband for two years. It is located just minutes away from the stunning beaches of West Wittering.

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Sarah and her husband reopened on July 4, at the earliest opportunity, and had their first guests the very next day.

She said: “It was a long break and we are very pleased to be back and welcoming visitors.

“We are lucky that each unit is independent and has its own outdoor space so the transition has not been too difficult for us and we are popular because of that.

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“We have had to order additional items such as appropriate cleaning products for door handles and hand sanitiser for guests before they go in for breakfast.”

West Wittering beach. SR2005272 Pic Steve Robards SUS-200527-175352001West Wittering beach. SR2005272 Pic Steve Robards SUS-200527-175352001
West Wittering beach. SR2005272 Pic Steve Robards SUS-200527-175352001

Parents, most of whom have been homeschooling for the past four months, are likely to be looking for a day out and attractions are also benefitting from the VAT cuts.

Adventure parks, farms and zoos are gradually starting to open up with new safety measures in place.

Tom Rollings, director of Fishers Farm Park in Wisborough Green, said his family attraction has been made safe, with new queueing systems which allow for social distancing. He and his family are over the moon to be back open.

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He said: “Like so many businesses it has been a really scary time. We didn’t qualify for any government funding and are relying on the visitors coming back to visit.

Bognor Regis Beach. Pic Steve Robards SR1904371 SUS-190225-100530001Bognor Regis Beach. Pic Steve Robards SR1904371 SUS-190225-100530001
Bognor Regis Beach. Pic Steve Robards SR1904371 SUS-190225-100530001

“We’re so happy with the reaction so far and have felt rather overwhelmed with the kind and positive feedback we’ve received.”

Arundel Castle manager Stephen Manion said he was also pleased to be welcoming visitors again and is hoping the restaurants and cafes in Arundel town will start to thrive once more following the Chancellor’s announcement.

Mr Manion said: “We’re so excited to be able to invite visitors back to enjoy our stunning gardens.

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“The health and safety of everyone remains a priority, therefore there won’t be any access to the castle buildings and therefore no catering provided.

“However, Arundel town offers a wealth of scrumptious eateries and we encourage our visitors to explore the castle’s immediate surroundings after their visit to our gardens.”

Arundel Wetland Centre has also reopened and is delighted to welcome visitors back. Like all attractions it has introduced new measures which includes pre-booking tickets.

A spokesman said: “The wide, paved walkways lead to collection of 50 species of wildfowl from around the world in natural settings and six open wildlife hides with ramps for easy access.

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“Currently the Pond Skater play area for under 8s is open with posted guidance about numbers of adults and children permitted entry at any one time.”

The Water’s Edge Cafe is offering a takeaway service and the gift shop is also open.

With social distancing still very much on the agenda, many have fallen in love with our beautiful countryside over lockdown and prefer to opt for open spaces.

The South Downs is therefore expected to be popular with residents and holidaymakers alike this summer bringing a boost to surrounding businesses such as country pubs and campsites.

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Kat Beer, sustainable tourism lead for the National Park Authority, said: “This is a welcome boost to tourism and hospitality venues across the South Downs.

“The sector has been among the hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and this announcement comes at just the right time as businesses re-open and look to rebuild their revenue streams and customer base. The South Downs National Park has many amazing places to stay and visit, with tourism remaining a vital component of the rural economy and jobs.

“There’s a long road to recovery, but an increasingly strong staycation market and an adaptable and innovative tourism sector bode well for the months ahead.”

Bognor Regis, as a seaside resort, is getting ready for its busiest season of the year and Butlins is now open.

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Nick Gibb, MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, has welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement which, he said, would see up to 400 businesses in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton benefit.

He said: “The cut in VAT, as well as the new voucher scheme, is a much-needed lifeline to many local hotels, restaurants and pubs.”

Mr Gibb also urged local people to eat out next month using the new voucher scheme.

The Eat Out to Help Out scheme will entitle everyone to a discount of up to 50 per cent on their meal, up to a maximum of £10 per person. Businesses can claim the money back from the government, which will be paid in five working days.

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Mr Gibb said up to 200 eateries in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton could benefit from the scheme.

Minette Batters, NFU president, is a spokesman for the farming industry.

She said: “The hospitality sector reopening is significant for British farmers and it will play a central role in farming’s recovery.

“We hope the announcement today to stimulate the hospitality and tourism sectors by cutting VAT will see increasing demand which will help British food flow back into our pubs, cafes and restaurants. This will start to ease the pressure many farm businesses are facing. There is an opportunity now for food service to demonstrate their commitment to British farmers and provide the public with even more opportunities to purchase quality British food and drink.”

She added:“We look forward to further announcements by the chancellor in the Autumn on how his recovery package will support the rural economy.”