Tourism leaders urge West Midlands businesses to sign up to VisitEngland scheme
Tourism and hospitality businesses in the West Midlands have been urged to apply for new industry accreditation.
VisitEngland's "We're Good to Go" scheme allows the region's firms to demonstrate they have undergone a coronavirus risk assessment.
It shows to visitors that the businesses are safe and are adhering to Government and public health guidance.
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council and member of the West Midlands Regional Board for Tourism, said: "It is imperative that new and existing visitors feel safe enough to return to the West Midlands, which is famous for the strength, variety and welcome of its tourist attractions.
"The new 'We’re Good to Go' mark will give venues the confidence that they have the correct protocols in place, to help them get up and running after a particularly tough period.
"Our renowned attractions – such as the Black Country Living Museum and Dudley Zoo and Castle – have been hit hard. With their success vital to our region’s economic recovery, I have written to the government to ask that we retain our business grants underspend to further support the sector to bounce back."
The scheme – which has involved input from more than 40 industry bodies across the country – is free to join.
More Covid-19 coverage:
Businesses must undergo a self-assessment checklist to confirm they have the necessary processes in place.
Becky Frall, head of visitor attraction for the West Midlands Growth Company, said: "As more of the West Midlands’ tourism and hospitality venues prepare to unlock their doors, we urge them to register for VisitEngland’s new 'We’re Good to Go' accreditation to highlight their commitment to visitors’ health and wellbeing.
"Receiving and displaying this nationally-recognised industry standard will give people the confidence to come back and enjoy the West Midlands’ great attractions, accommodation and food and drink offer. With tourism accounting for one in ten jobs in the region, it will also reassure staff that businesses are operating to the highest level of safety."
More than 11,000 tourism businesses across the country have already signed up – along with The Bear Grylls Adventure, based at the NEC.
Nick Varney, chief executive officer of Merlin Entertainments, which runs the attraction, said: "We look forward to welcoming guests from across the UK back to our sites, just as we have done successfully across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and North America.
"In each location, we have seen our guests embrace the ‘new normal’ and actively adhere to the new safety measures we have put in place. After the extended lockdown, we recognise that people need leisure and escapism and to make new happy memories with those they love. We look forward to helping them do just that."
For more information on the accreditation, visit https://goodtogo.visitbritain.com/home
