Geoffrey visited Harford Bridge Holiday Park on 27 May 2021, as part of English Tourism Week, to mark the completion of their new guest amenity building, which offers indoor games, internet access and tourism information to park guests.
English Tourism Week, which runs from 22-31 May 2021, is led by VisitEngland and aims to celebrate the diverse, exciting and vibrant tourism sector and showcase the quality, range and value it has to offer. The event is particularly relevant this year, as the country begins to exit the restrictions imposed by coronavirus. Restrictions which impacted heavily on the tourism industry, upon which so many people across Devon rely.
Geoffrey said:
“The tourism industry is essential to the local economy in Devon, bringing income into the area and providing a significant number of jobs, upon which many local people rely. The pandemic has been particularly difficult for businesses in this industry as they have been forced to close for long periods and have then been restricted in terms of reopening as a result of social distancing measures. Throughout the pandemic I have held regular meetings with tourism industry representatives to enable me to understand the challenges facing the industry and to take action to support those affected, alongside my fellow Conservative MPs across Devon. As a result, we have seen several additional support measures introduced, such as the cut to VAT and the extension of the furlough scheme.
“As we start to reopen again, businesses across the sector are still struggling, especially where their visitor numbers are limited due to necessary social distancing restrictions, and it is important that we do all we can to support them to rebuild. I am hopeful that awareness weeks like English Tourism Week will do just that, by encouraging people to travel to Devon this summer and make use of its tourist attractions, holiday accommodation and hospitality businesses.
“It is extremely positive to see that with the help of the available government support, important local businesses, like Harford Bridge Holiday Park, have been able to use the past year to strengthen their business model and develop their offering for guests. As we follow the government’s roadmap and ease back into a more normal way of life, I wish their business, and those across my constituency, every success for what I hope will be a positive season.”
