Plea to support tourist attractions across West Midlands as economy opens up

Leaders from across the region made the plea as part of the West Midlands Combined Authority's 'Open for Business, Safely' campaign.

The latest phase of the campaign promotes the hard work being done by hospitality and tourism venues to make sure they are Covid-safe.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, who visited the Black Country Living Museum with Dudley Council leader Councillor Patrick Harley, said: "Hospitality and tourism businesses have had to wait a long time to reopen their doors to customers, but now they’re back open we want people to visit their local venues and show their support.

"These venues are taking sensible precautions and are being reopened safely, for example using table service, requiring visitors to pre-book, and keeping to limited numbers. Our Open for Business, Safely campaign is highlighting the safety measures businesses are taking, such as those at the Black Country Living Museum where we launched the next phase of the campaign.

"Businesses have done their bit by making themselves safe, now it’s our duty as residents to do our bit and visit local businesses and support them by spending some money, all whilst adhering to Covid safety precautions."

The campaign encourages local companies to use the hashtag #WMOpen4Biz and share on social media details of the steps they have taken to invite customers and members of staff back on to their premises safely.

Black Country Living Museum chief executive Andrew Lovett said: "We’re delighted that the [West Midlands] Mayor and Councillor Harley chose to visit the museum to mark the second phase of the Open for Business, Safely campaign.

"At the Black Country Living Museum we’ve gone to great lengths to ensure that we’re Covid-secure, while making the visitor experience engaging and accessible. Maintaining consumer confidence is key to encouraging people to visit, which is vital to us as an independent organisation.

"We’re incredibly grateful for the support that we’ve received from our visitors; it really does mean the world to us. Therefore, it’s important that we continue to demonstrate the steps we’re taking to keep people safe and I’d encourage other businesses to do the same. By staying safe we can stay open."

People can get involved in the campaign by using their social media accounts – by tagging the West Midlands Combined Authority and using the hashtag #WMOpen4Biz

Councillor Ian Brookfield, WMCA portfolio lead for economy and leader of Wolverhampton Council, said: "It has been a big step for the region as people go out once again to venues that have reopened indoors. Businesses have worked very hard to ensure Covid-secure arrangements are in place.

"Now we’re asking people to keep to the Covid safety restrictions and safely visit these businesses and help re-invigorate the region’s hospitality and tourisms sectors."