NGI: North East tourism industry needs ‘package of support’ amid new COVID restrictions

As enhanced COVID-19 restrictions come into force in areas of the North East today (September 18), Sarah Green, chief executive of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, has called for more support for the region’s tourism industry.

She said: “We support the extra measures requested by North East local authorities and announced by Government as a means of addressing the rising infection rate in the region. In particular, we welcome the pro-active approach taken, which aims to avoid full lockdown and the significant social and economic implications this would bring.

“The key principle underpinning these restrictions is the importance of maintaining social distancing and operating in line with COVID guidelines. Significant numbers of businesses in NewcastleGateshead have adapted their business models to ensure safety, in particular over 1000 businesses in the North East have achieved VisitBritain’s ‘We’re Good To Go’ accreditation and we encourage everyone to check for this accreditation at goodtogo.visitbritain.com/discover to give visitors reassurance.

“It needs to be recognised that these further restrictions will impact on the economic viability of the region’s tourism and hospitality sector and we continue to call for an ongoing package of support to ensure these businesses remain viable during this very challenging period.

“We will continue to work with local authorities, stakeholders and the North East tourism industry in the coming months, providing advice and guidance on changing restrictions and signposting to available and up-to-date support.”