Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Tourism Sector: Covid-19 Support

Thursday 5 November 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Covid-19 has severely impacted the UK tourism sector, prompting the government to offer targeted measures including business rates relief and VAT cuts.
  • The government plans to promote domestic tourism once holidays are permitted again, working with VisitBritain and VisitEngland to champion the UK's tourism offer.
  • Businesses in constituencies facing new restrictions may receive grants worth up to 3,000 per month under the local restrictions support grant scheme.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Selaine Saxby
Economy Business & Trade
Context

The tourism sector has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to financial difficulties and uncertainty.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to support the tourism sector during the covid-19 outbreak. The speaker highlights the economic impact of the virus on tourism and seeks specific measures from the government.

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

Covid-19 has had a severe impact on tourism, which is why we have provided a range of targeted measures to see the sector through this period. On top of the Government's wider economic support package, we have provided business rates relief and grants for many in the sector, as well as a cut in VAT for tourism and hospitality activities until the end of March.

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Q2 Andrew Jones Con
Business & Trade
Context

Harrogate and Knaresborough has a significant number of hospitality employees, including those working in bed and breakfasts and guesthouses, who have been severely impacted by the closure of the exhibition sector.

Question

As Harrogate and Knaresborough is in the top 10% for hospitality employment, there are many teams at B&Bs and guest houses suffering. With a lack of international visitors due to closures, what plans does the Government have to promote domestic tourism?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

We currently need people to stay at home, but when holidays are permitted again, we will work with VisitBritain, VisitEngland and local partners to champion the UK's diverse tourism offer. We will provide guidance about when people can safely go on holiday, as demonstrated through initiatives such as the “We're good to go” industry standard mark.

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Q3 Selaine Saxby
Economy Business & Trade
Context

New government restrictions until December 2nd have caused significant worry among North Devon's tourism and hospitality businesses.

Question

With the announcement of new restrictions, what support will be available to my constituency's tourism and hospitality businesses that are understandably worried about the months ahead?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

There are significant packages of financial support in place, including extensions to the furlough scheme and self-employed support. Businesses will receive grants worth up to £3,000 per month under the local restrictions support grant scheme. An additional £1.1 billion is being given to local authorities for broader business assistance.

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