COVID-19 Updates – week commencing 17/05/21
More updates of developments from the government and various links to interpretation and guidance.
Go to date:
17 May 2021 …
CPT Operations update
SAFER TRANSPORT GUIDANCE FOR OPERATORS UPDATED 17 MAY
The Department for Transport has made some minor updates to the Safer Transport Guidance for Operators to reflect changes to the roadmap out of lockdown
This guidance covers operations in England only
The updates have been made to the sections of the guidance relating to safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations
The main update is that the a section of the guidance headlined Social Contact has been removed, and replaced with the following
Meeting and Travelling with other People
On all public transport passengers must travel in groups of no more than 6, or 2 households, unless they are travelling for a reason that is exempt
People can travel in a group larger than 6 people or 2 households where travel is reasonably necessary in order to carry out a specific activity:
- with work, for example, transport organised by an employer during the course of their work
- providing emergency assistance, and to avoid injury or illness or to escape risk of harm
These rules do not place any capacity constraints on public transport services and private hire vehicles, including organised coach travel
Operators should continue to provide transport services that can accommodate separate multiple groups which conform to the requirements of the relevant social distancing rules
Enforcement of Social Distancing Rules
Operators can recommend to passengers to check the relevant social distancing rules in force to check if a particular activity applies to their journey
The police will be able to take action against those who break these rules, including asking people to disperse and issuing a fixed penalty notice of £200 for the first offence
Transport providers operating cross-border services should be aware that the rules for meeting indoors and outdoors are different in the other UK nations
The updated guidance can be found on the link below
SAFER TRANSPORT GUIDANCE FOR OPERATORS
Tourism Alliance update:
Test and Trace – Outdoor Events
DCMS and DoH have produced the following guidance on the application of Test and Trace to Outdoor Events
Many outdoor events are not currently included in the scope of the Collection of Contact Details Regulations (Test & Trace), unless taking place at a venue specifically listed in the Regulations, and as such are not required to display an official NHS QR code or ask customers and visitors for their contact details. These include, for example, agricultural shows, funfairs, fetes, flower shows, literary fairs, festivals and car boot sales.
Event organisers may still wish to support test and trace by asking visitors for their contact details and displaying an official NHS QR code, but they are not required to do so.
Any eat-in hospitality venues within these events (even if outdoors) are in scope of the Regulations and are required to request that all customers and visitors either scan the official NHS QR code or provide contact details, and must refuse entry to anyone that chooses not to do so. This applies to the area of the hospitality venue only – it does not change the requirements for the wider event premises.
A full list of venues which are in scope of the Regulations and must display an official NHS QR code and request customer, visitor, and staff contact details can be found here.
Lounges Clarification
I’ve had a number of queries regarding the primary guidance for Hotel and Other Accommodation with regard to lounges. The new updated guidance for Step 3 states that:
Communal spaces such as lounges or lobbies may remain open to guests, but no food or drink should be served. People should be encouraged not to gather in these spaces, and to observe social distancing at all times.
I have raised this issue with DCMS and am awaiting clarification, but it would seem that the guidance hasn’t properly differentiated between communal lounges such as those in B&Bs where all the seating is together and lounge bars in hotels where the seating and function are more akin to restaurant or pub settings and should follow that guidance. I will let you know when I get clarification on this.
Proving Vaccination Status
The guidance on how people prove their vaccination status when travelling overseas has been updated to say people who do not have access to the NHS smartphone app and have to call the NHS helpline on 119 and ask for a letter that confirms their status should expect to wait 7 working days for the letter to arrive.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/demonstrating-your-covid-19-vaccination-status-when-travelling-abroad
CMA Letter on to Package Travel Industry
You will have seen on the news that the CMA has written to the package Travel Industry ahead of Monday’s reopening of international travel to remind businesses of the need to comply with the requirements of the Package Travel Regulations. Please note that these requirements also apply to the domestic tourism industry were products are sold that combine two of accommodation, transport, car hire and “other tourism services” as a package or a linked travel arrangement. If you have any queries about what constitutes a Package or Linked Travel Arrangement, just let me know.
Here is a copy of the CMA letter
ONS Economic Activity Survey
ONS has published the results of this week’s economic activity survey which includes data on restaurant bookings. This week’s results are:
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- In the week to Monday 10 May 2021, the average estimate for UK seated diner reservations was 60% of the level seen in the equivalent week of 2019.
- However, this is 5% down on the previous week
- In London bookings decreased by 3% to 34%
- By contrast, in Manchester there was a 10% increase to 102% of the 2019 level
19 May 2021 …
Tourism Alliance updates
Paying Back SEISS
HMRC has updated it’s guidance to explain when and how to tell them about a tax return amendment if it affects your eligibility or grant amount. Specifically, you must tell them if there is an amendment to any of your tax returns on or after 3 March 2021 which either:
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- lowers the amount of fourth grant you’re eligible for
- causes you to no longer be eligible for the fourth grant
If your return has been amended before claiming your grant, you must tell them within 90 days of receiving your grant.
If your return has been amended after receiving your grant, you must tell them within 90 days of making the amendment.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tell-hmrc-and-pay-the-self-employment-income-support-scheme-grant-back
Performing Arts Guidance Updated
The Primary Guidance for Performing Arts has been updated to include more detailed information on the rules and restrictions related to Step 3. This guidance includes detailed information on:
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- Capacity limits
- Serving Food and drink to customers
- Performance/screening areas within the premises of another venue such as a pub, hotel or holiday park
- The use of private or corporate boxes
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/performing-arts
Domestic Cruise Ship Guidance Updated
The guidance has been updated to bring it into line with Step 3, meaning that Domestic cruises are now permitted in England. However, Domestic cruises can only operate with up to 1,000 passengers or 50% capacity (whichever is lower). Social distancing and social mixing rules still apply groups of more than 6 people or 2 households are not allowed to mix indoors.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-cruise-ship-travel
Let’s Do London: Tourism Recovery Campaign Briefing by London & Partners – 26 May
Last week I sent you information about the new £6m Let’s Do London campaign. Following on from this, London and partners is holding a briefing on the campaign at 11am – 12noon next Wednesday (26 May). At the briefing they will be:
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- Explaining how this campaign ties in with London & Partners’ new strategy and its place in the broader context of London’s recovery from the pandemic.
- Providing insight into London’s key audiences, including their motivations and barriers to travel.
- Explaining how to get involved in the recovery campaign and how best to use the Let’s Do London campaign toolkit and assets.
You can find out more about the briefing and register using the following link
VisitEngland Domestic Consumer Sentiment Tracker
VisitEngland has published the results of wave 30 of its consumer sentiment tracker, which is based on fieldwork conducted between 4-9 May. While there are some positive gains in sentiment, there is no substantial bounce in trip intent. The good news is that almost half of the adult population now thinks the ‘worst has passed’ regarding the Covid situation (cf 38% last time), but this is tempered by only 61% of people think that a domestic holiday booked for August will actually go ahead.
Other points of note from Wave 30:
- The national mood is unchanged at 6.7/10
- Only 12% now believe the ‘worst is still to come’ (down from 18%).
- 47% of adults expect ‘normality’ by end of this year – up 2 points compared to last wave.
- The Appetite for Risk score climbs to 2.7/4.
- Around half of adults anticipate taking more or the same number of overnight domestic trips between now and end of the year compared to normal. This compares with c. 30% of adults with similar intent regarding overseas trips. These figures are largely unchanged this wave.
- 14% anticipate taking an overnight trip this spring (Apr – June) rising to 32% during the summer (July – Sept) which is broadly stable wave-on-wave.
- Among those who are intending to take a trip this summer, 37% have reached the planning and 29% the booking stages of their trips, which is up from 33% and 26% respectively last wave.
- The South West remains the lead region for spring and summer trips and although it still dominates, its share has dipped slightly this wave, especially for spring trips.
- The leading destination type for spring trips is ‘traditional coastal/seaside town’ (33%) narrowly ahead of ‘countryside or village’ (29%). The pattern is similar for the summer period.
- The accommodation types most likely to be used on overnight trips this spring are ‘camping/caravan’ (41%), private home’ (38%) ‘commercial rentals’ (e.g. holiday cottages) on 36% and ‘Hotel/motel/inn’ (also 36%). Again, we see a broadly similar pattern for summer trips.
- 44% of UK adults intend to take a day trip to either a ‘countryside/village’ or ‘traditional coastal/seaside town’ destination respectively this spring or summer. This compares with 25% intending to visit a ‘large city’.
Guidance for Temporary Residents Unable To return To The UK
The Home Office has updated it’s guidance to say that that people who left the UK with valid leave before 17 March 2020 and intended to return to the UK and intended to make an application for Indefinite or Further Permission to Stay, but are unable to do so before their leave expired because of travel restrictions, now have until the 21st June 2021 to do this.
Jobs that Qualify For Travel Exemptions
The list of occupations that are exempt from travel restrictions has been amended to remove seafarers working on cruise ships from the exemption list for red list countries.
Resource Support for Businesses Updated
The Government’s resource support site has been revised to:
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- Include an updated webinar on the SEISS Fourth Grant
- Include an updated webinar on the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme.
- Include a new YouTube video for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/help-and-support-if-your-business-is-affected-by-coronavirus-covid-19
Transport Use Figures
DFT’s transport new figures are out and cover the period up to and including 17th May. The figures for 17th May don’t show any noticeable change which isn’t too surprising for a Monday. Next week’s results will be far more instructive as to changing behaviour from the move to Step 3 as they will cover the first weekend under Step 3.
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/transport-use-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic
Invitation to Home Office Briefing On Immigration Scheme
The Home Office has asked me to pass on an invitation for Tourism Alliance members (and your members) to attend two briefing sessions they are hosting on the new points-based immigration system and the EU Settlement Scheme on Friday 28th May 14:00-15:00 and Monday 14th June 13:00-14:00.
The briefings will cover:
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- The new points-based system – how does it work?
- Employing an overseas workers – what is the sponsorship process?
- What other immigration routes are there?
- What is the EU Settlement Scheme? How can I support my EU National staff?
- What support is available? Where can I find more information
You can register for the sessions using the links below:
The Points-based Immigration and EU Settlement Scheme- SME Stakeholders– Friday 28th May at 14:00
The Points-based Immigration and EU Settlement Scheme- SME Stakeholders– Mon 14th June at 13:30
Update from Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance
NI Updates
Culture, Arts & Heritage Recovery Taskforce – Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has established the taskforce to consider measures to support re-opening and recovery in the short-term as they emerge from the pandemic and to pave the way for a longer term strategy for the culture, arts and heritage sectors. Chaired by Dame Rotha Johnston (Chair of NI Screen), the taskforce comprises of 25 members and will consider the following issues:
o to support the re-opening of heritage sites, theatres, performance venues and relevant public gathering places in line with the Executive’s Pathway Out of Restrictions
o to stimulate culture, arts and heritage activity, re-start the cultural economy and enable the sector to play a central role in rebuilding social and economic life here
o to explore outdoor performance/activity including at youth, amateur and community level across the summer, autumn and into the longer term, as a means of encouraging participation and building audience confidence as the opening of indoor and outdoor facilities and activities rolls out
o to advise on any short-term actions to support existing skills retention and provide opportunity for potential new-entrants embarking on a career in the sectors.
Details on the membership and terms of reference can be accessed HERE
Travel Guidance – further to my email on Friday, we have engaged with the Executive Office and the Department of Health seeking clarification which has not been forthcoming as yet. We have also written to the Minister for Health. This guidance is due to come in to force on Monday and already we are hearing of many cancellations of planned travellers from GB and confusion as to how the guidance will be implemented and managed. As soon as we have any further clarification we will send through.
The good news is that the ‘Stay Local’ guidance has been removed and has changed to ‘You should avoid visiting places where there is a chance that large numbers of people will gather and crowds will form’.
Tourism NI Strategic Pricing Webinar Series – TNI have created two bespoke sessions on this important topic (21st May and 27th May). The first will focus on the importance of taking an informed approach to pricing and will show you how to assess and improve pricing structures in your business as you prepare to re-open. The second builds on these learnings by showing how to apply your pricing policies and decisions to help you to grow your business strategically. The webinars are particularly for Tourism and Hospitality businesses who are preparing to fully re-open and who want guidance and support on pricing your goods and services more effectively. There will be a focus on how to set and manage your prices not just for the next few weeks and months but also more long term and strategically. The webinars are aimed at business owners who want to learn how to use more informed pricing to help you manage and then grow your business over the next 2-3 years. Further details and registration HERE
Tourism Ireland’s Covid-19 tracker for last week is here.
Navan Fort – ABC Council have been in touch to share the information that a bid to secure Navan Fort on the Royal Sites of Ireland’s place on a new tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage status is currently underway. The Royal Sites of Ireland are a group of six unique collectives of largely prehistoric monuments and sites associated in early medieval including the Navan Fort. The application is due on 22nd June 2021 and a consultation process has commenced through royalsite.ie (consultation closing end of May). The results of same will help underpin the bid. Give your views and support the bid by taking a short online survey here: www.royalsites.ie. More information is available on the Council website HERE
Other Updates
The guidance on domestic cruise ship travel has been updated to reflect the English roadmap out of lockdown. Domestic cruises can only operate with up to 1,000 passengers or 50% capacity (whichever is lower). Belfast is a destination for a number of these cruise ships during the summer and another area that is impacted by the current guidance on travel within the CTA.
We will continue to post updates on our social media channels – Twitter (@NIrelandTA), Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pg/NITourismAlliance/posts/ and LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/ni-tourism-alliance/
20 May 2021 …
Tourism Alliance update
With the reopening of the tourism and hospitality sectors, one of the main issues that is arising is staff shortages with many businesses reporting that they are finding it difficult to recruit the staff they need. As such, at a recent Tourism Alliance Board meeting, it was agreed to undertake a short survey across the industry to gauge the extent of the problem so that this can be fed through to Government.
The Tourism Alliance has put together a short 10 question survey for businesses which takes less than 5 minutes to complete. Could you please distribute the survey to your members and ask then to complete it by 28 May 2021
Here is the link
