Summer lockdown could cost Derbyshire tourism businesses '97 per cent of their income'

Tourism is a vital industry in the Peak District and Derbyshire, employing more than 30,000 people and generating more than £2.3 billion a year for the local economy.

But the impact of government restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic and the seasonality of the industry mean that many businesses now require crucial support.

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Ahead of English Tourism Week, from May 25-31, the area’s official tourist board is highlighting the need to protect the long-term future of tourism – by shining a spotlight on the sector’s value to the local economy.

Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire surveys show that by as early as March, coronavirus had already had ‘a major negative impact’ on four-fifths of the area’s tourism businesses, with many reporting cancellations as far ahead as October.

If lockdown restrictions lasted until the end of September, businesses said they would lose 97 per cent of their income.

Jo Dilley, managing director of Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire, said: “Tourism has been one of the earliest and hardest hit of all economic sectors and we must act now to protect the industry’s future.

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“We’re working closely with our local and national partners to plan for recovery and help businesses bounce back.

“Part of these plans include the development of common industry standards that will provide a ‘ring of confidence’ for both businesses and visitors, so the sector can open safely when the time is right.”

Ahead of the possible reopening of the hospitality industry on July 4, 30 per cent of businesses said they wouldn’t be able to open if restrictions such as social distancing measures remained in place.

More than one-fifth said they may be forced to cease trading entirely.

Leader of Derbyshire County Council, Councillor Barry Lewis, said: “It’s vital that Derbyshire’s tourism industry has the tools at its disposal to bounce back once restrictions are lifted and people are able to start visiting our wonderful county once more.”