GNF Members Update 10 June - Issue 43


Dear Member

Zoos and Wildlife Parks are now able to re-open on Monday, which is great news for a few of our members. However, until further notice, the rest of the hospitality industry will not be able to re-open until 4 July at the earliest.

During his press conference yesterday, Ashok Sharma said that further guidance on tourism's re-opening would be published shortly to give businesses time to prepare. It is very frustrating that this wait for clarity continues. In the meantime we have items on local lockdowns, New Forest content for VE’s domestic campaign and the report from week 11 of the consumer sentiment tracker. 

Local Lockdowns
The Government is establishing the Joint Biosecurity Centre to sit alongside SAGE and monitor coronavirus across the country. The idea is to operate a local alert system that warns of regional spikes in infection and implements localised lockdowns to bring the infection rate back under control. With the possibility of a local lockdown occurring in our area, it is important for members to consider how to handle this in their booking terms and conditions and to convey this to customers when they book. This will enable both parties to be clear about what happens if a customer cannot get to the business or if a lockdown occurs while a customer is staying.
 
Visit England Domestic Campaign
We are currently working with VisitEngland to provide New Forest content for their planned upcoming marketing campaign to promote domestic tourism. As part of the project they want content about how our tourism businesses are adapting or innovating in readiness for re-opening. If your business is doing anything that may be of interest to VisitEngland and future visitors, please send details to Mick at Travel Dog PR : [email protected]

BVA/BDRC Tracker Week 11 Report
After two weeks of growth, the momentum behind domestic holiday-taking has slowed (although anticipated lead-times to booking continue to shorten), while overseas holidays and aviation appears to be gaining some traction. Hospitality & Tourism highlights from this week's report include:
  • UK remains evenly divided on the Government’s handling of the pandemic
  • Lead-times for domestic & international holiday bookings continue to shorten
  • Local residents still uneasy about re-opening tourism 
  • International destinations see shift from long-haul to short-haul
  • Ownership of the customer is up for grabs; with direct channels, OTA/meta equally favoured

Hospitality On-line Seminars: Thursday 11 June at 7.15pm
The Southern Branch of the Institute of Hospitality, in collaboration with Southampton Hoteliers Association, Go New Forest and BH Area Hospitality Association, are providing online Sessions to help businesses get ready to re-open.
The topic this week includes: increasing mental health awareness, responding adequately and supporting your team to deliver from day one. Speakers include Colin Symington-Bailey of Mental Wealth/Resilient Minds UK, Lou Banks of Rising Vibe and Camilla Woods of Hospitality Action.
Click here to  book!  or go to the  website  for further details.

NFDC Discretionary Grant Fund Closes This Friday
If you've not done so already, we urge members to submit their application to NFDC by 5pm on Friday 12 June. Grants of up to £10,000 will be made on a sliding scale subject to the fixed property costs incurred. Please read the guidance carefully before proceeding with your application.

Upcoming GNF Virtual Sector Group Meetings
The following Sector Group Zoom meetings have been scheduled - invitations will be sent to each group with agenda and joining instructions:
 Self-Catering  - Thursday 11 June at 11am
Holiday Parks & Camp Sites   - Tuesday 16 June at 11am
Hotels Pubs Inns & Restaurants -  Wednesday 17 June at 11am
Attractions - Tuesday 23 June at 11am
Bed & Breakfast - Wednesday 24 June at 11am

Whilst there continue to be many uncertainties about re-opening plans and guidance we will keep you updated on any changes as they happen.

With best wishes,

Anthony