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Jun 2020

Last Updated: 23/06/2020

Harrogate

Two North Yorkshire recovery plans launched to save tourism

by Calvin Robinson

| 23 Jun, 2020

The sector is worth £9 billion to Yorkshire and analysis shows that 20,000 jobs could be lost. Now, two recovery plans have been launched to save tourism and hospitality.

Family exploring Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Yorkshire

Two county-wide recovery plans are set to be put in place to help tourism and hospitality as the industry faces a battle to recover from coronavirus.

Analysis by the York and North Yorkshire Enterprise Partnership has forecast 20,000 jobs losses and a drop in value of 40% across the sector this year as a result of the pandemic.

The industry in the wider-county, which is worth around £9 billion a year, has taken a hit due lockdown as hotels, attractions and the hospitality sector have been closed for the past three months.

It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to make an announcement today on the two metre distancing rule and further relaxing of restrictions.

Restaurant owner looks forward to reopening Valentino’s in Ripon

Hospitality sector in Harrogate District desperate for one metre clarity

Masks and visors for staff serving in restaurants to be new normal

Bosses at the North Yorkshire LEP have launched an economic recovery plan for the region which will focus on getting people back to work, greater digital connection and safer, greener public spaces.

David Kerfoot MBE DL, chair of the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said:

“The Covid-19 pandemic has bought challenge in one way or another to every single one of us, yet it has undoubtedly impacted heaviest on those in our society who already had the least.

“It is absolutely crucial that this vision is realised. We must ensure those who have previously been left behind aren’t pushed further into the margins.

“We must seize the incredibly unique opportunity we have to grow and strengthen our economy, whilst positively mitigating against climate change.”

Meanwhile, Welcome to Yorkshire has also launched its own recovery plan to help the industry and its 225,000 employees.

The organisation has said it will offer regional support for businesses, introduce a Yorkshire gift card for customers and launch a marketing campaign for the county.

The move comes as owners of firms in the Harrogate hospitality sector have urged for clarity on the one metre rule in order for hotels, bars and restaurants to reopen.

But some restaurant owners have warned that some in the industry may not survive.

David Straker, co-owner of popular Harrogate restaurant William & Victoria told The Stray Ferret that the situation is perilous for many restaurants in the town.

He said:

“It’s hard. It’s really, really hard. We’re fortunate here as we own our property and we have a fantastic loyal clientele which is absolutely paramount to a business.”

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Two North Yorkshire recovery plans launched to save tourism

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