Coach tours resumed in England as Covid restrictions were eased on Monday.
Firms such as National Holidays and Bakers Dolphin took to the road.
National Holidays’ chief executive Andy Freeth was joined by shadow tourism and heritage minister Alex Sobel in welcoming the company’s first customers back to Scarborough.
Freeth said: “This is a big day for us. We’ve missed having our customers on board as much as they have missed going on holiday, and it has been wonderful to share in their excitement as they’re finally able to get away.
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“Scarborough is one of Britain’s most iconic and loved seaside resorts which has been welcoming guests for more than 400 years, making it a fantastic destination for one of our very first trips as government restrictions are eased.”
Sobel added: “Group coach tours are an important part of the UK’s tourism industry which plays a huge role in driving revenue into local economies and boosting employment.
“Today is a very important day, as the domestic tourism industry is able to open up further and we are delighted that group coach tours are now back up and running.”
National Holidays is adding more tours to its programme due to demand this summer.
Freeth said: “The majority of our tours across the country in the coming weeks are full, but we are adding extra holidays all the time.
“We are delighted to be back doing what we do best – showcasing the incredible places to explore here in the UK.”
Bakers Dolphin said continuing Covid-19 restrictions mean that coaches are not able to fill every seat yet.
The west country-based firm is running 17 trips by the end of the month.
Sales and marketing director Amanda Harrington said: “We’ve been waiting a long time for this day to come, and it was fitting that the sun as shining as our first two coaches set off for their holidays.
“I’m not sure who is happier to be back on the road, our passengers or our drivers.
“It’s been a very challenging time for everyone, and we do, of course, still need to take sensible precautions and ensure we adhere to all the proper health and safety procedures.
“But we are delighted to be able to do what we’ve been doing for well over a century, and that’s helping people to have make some memories and have happy holidays.”
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