WARM WELCOME BACK FROM TOWN’S B+BS AND CAFES
Scarborough is well and truly open again after having to shut because of coronavirus.
Hospitality and tourism businesses say people are flocking back to enjoy all that the area has to offer, with more expected with the start of the school holidays.
With many having to cancel trips abroad because of the pandemic, holidaymakers are choosing Scarborough as a staycation alternative.
Gary Felvus, who owns guest house The Dolphin on Columbus Ravine, initially only opened half of his six rooms but, because of the demand he has had, has extended that to four.
“I thought people would be scared to come but I’ve been surprised - there is definitely demand,” he said.
“People who have come have said it’s been so great to have some freedom.
“It was daunting to start with. Running a guest house is totally different now but I’ve been really pleased by the feedback I’ve had from guests.
“I’ve been really encouraged. I can’t get many more in before the end of September.”
Owners have introduced a raft of new measures in the wake of the pandemic, such as using PPE when cleaning, taking leaflets out of rooms, prebooking dining room slots and screens at receptions.
Mark Buttery, who owns Phoenix Court Guest House in Rutland Terrace with his wife Donna, has been disinfecting remote controls and sealing them in plastic bags before each guest.
“We’ve got lots of bookings. We’re not quite as full as we were last year but it does seem to be creeping back up again,” he said.
“I think people are waiting to see how it all goes.
“Everyone seems to be getting new customers. We’ve had a couple who were supposed to be going abroad but haven’t been able to go.
“I think we’ll probably have a busy September. People who would usually have come in May or June might now come in September or October.”
The Government gave permission for a maximum of two different households to stay overnight away from home from July 4.
But Molly Coombs, who runs Grand Get-Togethers in Sherburn, said the rule is hitting businesses like hers which own large self-catering accommodation.
“We’re struggling. I’ve had to cancel all the bookings for July,” she said. “I need them to lift it before August otherwise every booking for then will have to be cancelled too.
Sarah Birks, from Peaches ‘n’ Cream at Peasholm Gap, said they have seen visitor numbers increasing.
“It’s been just as busy as usual, if not more because people have been off work and children have been off school,” she said.
“We’re welcoming people back. The more the merrier.”
MP for Scarborough and Whitby Robert Goodwill urged visitors to come but adhere to social distancing guidelines.
He said: “Three months ago, I said don’t come, we’re not open. We are now open. Please come.”