The TOURISM industry is calling on the Government to support the hospitality sector after Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s lockdown roadmap announcement

In the four step-plan, the Prime Minister hopes to lift all coronavirus restrictions by the summer.

He warned moves will be cautious but not “irreversible”.

Reacting to the news, Cumbria Tourism managing director Gill Haigh said: “Everyone’s priority remains the safety of our visitors and our communities, but we have been calling for a clear roadmap to allow businesses to plan ahead for reopening and it’s helpful to now have this guidance to plan to.

“The loss of Easter is not unexpected, although it will be a significant further financial blow to an industry that has already lost £2 billion of income over the past 12 months in our county alone. 

“Self-catering, camping, caravanning, retail and outdoor hospitality will potentially be able to open in a restricted way from April 12, but it is hugely disappointing for hotels and indoor attractions who have worked so hard to provide Covid-19 safe experiences and environments.”

Gill said: “We will be looking closely at the detail behind the Prime Minister’s announcement and of course, the Chancellor’s statement on Wednesday, March 3.

“Our sector was the first to be hit by restrictions and it has been the hardest hit – and it is now the last to fully reopen.

“It is essential that the Chancellor supports the calls that Cumbria Tourism and the wider industry have been consistently making to retain the 5 per cent VAT rate, extend business rates relief, extend furlough and provide support for those individuals and businesses who have been excluded from previous financial packages.”

A spokesperson for Center Parcs said: “Following the latest Government announcement, we are planning to reopen our UK villages from 12 April – this is subject to the country moving to the next step of the roadmap on this date.”

Guests will be able to visit with their own household in the lodges, but will not be able to book accommodation in either the hotel or apartments.

The spokesperson said: “We are currently reviewing the guidance to understand exactly what restrictions will be in the place and will provide an update on this as soon as possible.”

“Guests with existing bookings who no longer wish to visit will be given the option to move their dates with no amendment fee or cancel their break and receive a full refund, in line with our Book With Confidence guarantee. Any guests with breaks booked up to 11 April 2021 will be offered the same options.”