Tourism businesses urged to join in council survey

BUSINESSES involved in the tourism industry in Bridgend county borough are being asked to take part in a survey to show exactly how the coronavirus pandemic has affected them and discuss proposals for the future.

The local authority has sent the survey to those that form part of the visitor economy from hotels, pubs and cafes to attractions, activity providers, campsites and other businesses.

Tourism operators that have not received the survey are invited to take part by completing the short “impact on business” form online and then they will be sent the tourism survey.

Bridgend County Borough Council will use the information to focus its support as restrictions are gradually lifted, working alongside the Welsh Government and Visit Wales.

The survey which covers impact on revenues, staffing and the long-term survival of businesses is part of wider exercise around business engagement linked to future economic planning.

Based on feedback from retail businesses, this has already resulted in a start back pack for businesses involving free Covid-19 awareness training.

The council’s cabinet member for regeneration, Charles Smith said: “Tourism adds over £350m to the economy of the county borough and supports over 4,000 jobs.

“If much of the peak summer season is either lost or running at significantly reduced capacity, we want to explore options for supporting the tourism and hospitality industry given its importance to the local economy.

“We want to talk to the industry to better understand options at a local and national level. We clearly won’t be able to do everything which is required but as restrictions are gradually lifted and we begin to think about recovery, we want to be in the best possible position to support businesses.

“While the message is still very much ‘ Visit Bridgend county borough. Later’, it is essential that as a county and as a country we, and the rest of Wales, plan the future together so that our local communities and our very welcome visitors of the future have the reassurance that we are working to get the balance right between being welcoming but also safe.”