UK tourism sector unveils industry standard as re-opening around corner

Photo taken on May 12, 2020 shows closed Liberty London in London, Britain. Britain's gross domestic product (GDP) plunged by 20.4 percent in April compared with the previous month, hitting the biggest monthly fall since 1997, said the Office for National Statistics on June 12. (Xinhua/Han Yan)

VisitEngland is also launching a "Know Before You Go" public information campaign to support tourism in England as the country further eases the lockdown.

LONDON, June 27 (Xinhua) -- In partnership with the national tourist organisations of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, VisitEngland has launched a Britain-wide industry standard and consumer mark as the sector works towards reopening.

Providing a "ring of confidence" for tourism, the "We're Good to Go" initiative is designed to show that businesses are adhering to the respective government and public health guidance, have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment and checked that they have the required processes in place.

To obtain the mark, businesses must complete a self-assessment online including a check-list confirming they have put the necessary processes in place, before receiving certification and the We're Good To Go mark for display in their premises and online.

A woman wearing a face mask takes part in the weekly "Clap for our Carers" for the last time in front of the Houses of Parliament in London, Britain, on May 28, 2020.(Xinhua/Han Yan)

The businesses in Britain are assessed according to their respective national guidance including the social distancing and cleanliness protocols that must be in place.

The initiative follows the announcement by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson that the holiday and leisure industry can start to re-open from July 4, with some measures still in force to prevent a second-wave of COVID-19 cases.

Alongside the initiative, VisitEngland is also launching a "Know Before You Go" public information campaign to support tourism in England as the country further eases the lockdown.

According to latest figures from VisitBritain, inbound tourism spending is forecast to drop 63 percent this year, equalling a 19.7 billion pounds (about 22.1 billion U.S. dollars) loss to the economy, while domestic tourism in Britain is forecast to lose 22 billion pounds (about 27.1 billion dollars) in spending across holidays and day visits alone.

A man wearing a face mask cycles in central London, Britain, on May 28, 2020. (Xinhua/Han Yan)