COVID-19 Information for tourism businesses

Visit Dorset membership unfreeze

Following the government’s decision to restrict all non-essential travel due to the Covid-19 pandemic in March, we took the decision to freeze all Visit Dorset membership packages across our visit-dorset.com website and all payments and invoice recovery was halted to support our tourism business members.

In line with the Government’s announcement to re-open the majority of the tourism and hospitality sector on the 4th July, we reactivated all Visit Dorset memberships as of 1st August. Please note, to support businesses we have also extended all Visit Dorset memberships until 1st May 2021 at no extra cost.

The team have been working incredibly hard to support the tourism sector across Dorset implementing our recovery roadmap, ensuring all the latest government information and guidelines have been made available, providing appropriate messaging to potential visitors via our social media channels and ensuring our website contains all the latest advice. 

We’ve also been busy co-ordinating joint campaigns with partners across the South West, bidding for funding and undertaking key research projects and providing feedback to central government.

We understand that the past few months have been incredibly difficult for everyone within the industry and we will continue to do everything we can to represent and support our Visit Dorset members.

Visit Dorset Roadmap to Recovery

Dorset tourism is facing up to its biggest challenge ever with Coronavirus impacting the entire industry. It is crucial as we look to rebuild a successful tourism industry which allows locals and visitors to coexist.

The Visit Dorset Roadmap to Recovery takes a phased approach and will continue to evolve in line with the scientific evidence and government advice on the reopening of the tourism industry. Responsible tourism will be core to this, communicating with and working with our local communities and the businesses of Dorset.

Read the Visit Dorset Roadmap to Recovery summarised plan

Covid-19 Information posters for holidaymakers

The NHS have produced a useful information poster on what holidaymakers need to do if visiting an area and develop COVID symptoms.  The poster is available to download and it would be very much appreciated if you could display this poster within your business to help ensure that your guests / visitors are made aware of the process they need to follow if they fall ill whilst on holiday in Dorset.

Here is another poster designed for use in the SW of England on which you can add your phone number for your guests to report to you.

If you develop any of the following symptoms during your stay – accommodation guests

UK Hospitality have also produced some posters and a pre-arrival letter which you can send to your customers or display at your business so visitors understand what is required of them and how they can help to stop the spread of the virus.

This new Tourist Charter provides 5 steps for visitors to enjoy a safe holiday.

A postcard to share and print has been designed by the NHS to give to visitors to Dorset. The aim is to help people know how to access services whilst on holiday and avoid overwhelming accident and emergency services in our hospitals  Stay well this summer in Dorset

Early outbreak management action cards

Public Health England have produced a series of action cards for different business types explaining the steps to be taken for early outbreak management. British Destinations has compiled this useful list for easy access.

The cards are a useful tool to help you understand what the process should be when managing an outbreak in your business (information correct 20 July 2020).

Arts Heritage and Cultural Attractions 

Campsites and Caravan parks

Entertainment and Holiday Resorts

Hairdressing-barbershops-beauty and nail bars-makeup-tattoo and spray tanning studios

Hotels and Guest Accommodation 

Restaurants Pubs Bars and Cafes

Spas-sports and massage therapy-well being-holistic locations

Theatres Cinemas and Venues

Tourist Attractions

Entertainment and holiday resorts

Shops and branches

In addition here are some useful posters developed for the south west of England in conjunction with Public Health.

What to do if a guest reports COVID-19 symptoms – accommodation provider

What to do when a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 is reported – non business specific

Business support from your council

Visit our council websites for business advice regarding business rate relief, grants and more.

For businesses in the Dorset Council area.

For businesses in the BCP Council area.

FAQ's for Tourism Businesses   

Unsure of how you can operate your business during the Covid-19 pandemic? Read our FAQs factsheet to give you the answers you've been looking for.    

Covid-19 Business Impact Survey results

Along with partners, Visit Dorset will be carrying out regular surveys to determine the impact of the pandemic on Dorset's tourism businesses. Read the Wave 1 Survey results.