The Countryside Alliance welcomes £10m tourism package but warns that is doesn't stop there

The Countryside Alliance welcomes the recent Government announcement that a new £10 million package has been reserved for kick-starting a period of renewal and recovery for tourism in England. However, we would like to warn the Government that this is merely the start and whilst it is a positive step to take, the COVID-19 pandemic will sadly see many businesses closed for good.

COVID-19 has had a devasting impact on UK hospitality and tourism and this money is a much-needed boost to the fragile rural tourist, businesses and economies that have been hit hard. This support will provide some businesses a lifeline, but it must be made available quickly and easily if we are going to prevent more businesses from closing at the end of the season.

Rural tourism in England contributes over £13 billion per year to the economy, and VisitBritain predicts the £80 billion domestic tourism industry, spanning holidays and day visits, will suffer a £22 billion drop this year. This is a significant economic hit, and in many businesses' cases, potentially terminal. Tourism makes a significant contribution to the rural economy, supporting village shops and services, jobs and businesses, and it is crucial to ensuring the long-term sustainability of our countryside.

The hospitality sector, including accommodation providers and tourist attractions, have all been devastated this year and there will be many who will be closed permanently by the end of this season, leading to broken economies and high unemployment in some of the most fragile coastal and rural communities.

You can read the Government announcement here.