‘We’re Good To Go’ has been unveiled as a nationwide industry standard and consumer mark to provide a ‘ring of confidence’ for domestic tourism as the sector works towards reopening in July.
The label will demonstrate that businesses are adhering to respective government and public health guidance, have carried out a Coviud-19 risk assessment and checked that they have the required processes in place.
The ‘We’re Good To Go’ scheme is being operated by VisitEngland which has been running assessment schemes for many years.
It has been developed in partnership with Tourism Northern Ireland, VisitScotland and Visit Wales to ensure a standardardised approach across the UK.
Input has come from more than 40 industry bodies including UKHospitality, the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, the British Holiday & Home Parks Association, the British Beer and Pub Association and the National Caravan Council as well as destination management organisations across the country.
The self-assessment includes specific guidelines for sectors including accommodation, visitor attractions, restaurants and pubs, business conference and events venues and tour and coach operators with signposting to further industry and trade association guidance as required.
Businesses must complete a self-assessment through an online platform 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.
Firms across the UK are assessed according to their respective national guidance including the social distancing and cleanliness protocols that must be in place.
VisitEngland is also launching a Know Before You Go public information campaign to support domestic tourism as businesses start to re-open.
VisitScotland unveiled a new marketing strategy focused on helping rebuild tourism as businesses prepare for a possible opening date on July 15.
The strategy, which will include broadcast and digital advertising will initially target the Scottish domestic market before expanding to the rest of the UK and include activity with travel platforms such as TripAdvisor and Expedia.
VisitEngland director Patricia Yates said: “With millions of jobs and local economies across the country reliant on tourism it is essential that businesses can get up and running as soon as the respective Government advice allows to capture the peak British summer season.
“We want visitors to be able to enjoy their holidays and to support businesses to be confident they have the correct procedures in place.
“Our priority is to make sure tourism rebounds to once again become one of the most successful sectors of the UK economy and this ‘ring of confidence’ is a crucial step on the industry’s road to rebuilding.”
VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead said: “Together with the new national tourism and sector guidelines, the ‘Good to Go Scheme’ will help businesses get ready for the indicative start dates in July.
“A nationwide scheme gives a consistent approach across all of the UK and will give visitors the reassurance they are looking for.”