Commons Sense

Like everywhere across the country, the Windsor community has felt the impact of a year of restrictions. But the nature of Windsor’s economy means that many businesses and people have felt the force of the past 18 months particularly hard.

I am of course referring to Windsor’s vibrant tourism industry. Our humble town is a destination for many people across the region, country, and the world!

It has therefore been a relief to see the resumption of normal trade across the area as tourists start to return and business begin to thrive again.

Furthermore, as our policies on international travel begin to relax, alongside that of other international borders, then we would expect to see the return of international tourists also.

This must all come as a great tonic to a sector which has been bereft of restrictions, false starts, and cautious customers who have avoided busy tourist hot spots like Windsor. The resumption of busy trade will not only benefit those that immediately gain from the tourist trade, such as restaurants, hotels, and attractions. It will also have a far wider impact by supporting direct employment and putting more money in people’s pockets. Additionally, it will also support many jobs indirectly, such as local suppliers, farms, and wholesalers who supply the many businesses of Windsor.

As we move into winter whilst old challenges may return, and new ones emerge, I am confident that with the Prime Minister’s plan for winter, and with case numbers either stabilising or falling, that the tourism sector won’t just survive this winter, it will hopefully thrive!