COVID-19 Information for tourism businesses

Visit Dorset 2020 Membership Freeze

We understand that our members are signed up to a service which we are currently unable to fully deliver. We are therefore freezing all membership packages from 23rd March 2020 (when the Government announced restrictions on all non-essential travel for the UK).  Freezing memberships will ensure that all of our Visit Dorset members are treated the same and that we are in a position to re start our activity as soon as the appropriate time comes.

Read more here.

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        

Q. How are the Visit Dorset team supporting businesses and preparing for the future? 
A. The Visit Dorset team are now working from home in the light of latest government advice, and are closely monitoring the ongoing issues caused by COVID-19.

We are in regular contact with all Visit Dorset members communicating the latest business support and advice as it becomes available. We will also be working with our Dorset, South West and VisitEngland partners on a recovery campaign and to ensure our messages are consistent and coordinated.  It is crucial that during this time Dorset tourism business continue to work with us to be part of the recovery campaign, so when the time is right we are able to fully promote Dorset to visitors and re-boot the local economy.

To support tourism businesses across Dorset we have also reached out via our business Twitter @VisitDorsetBiz where we are posting advice and support messages from trusted organisations including VisitEngland, the UK Government and the Dorset Chamber of Trade. 

You can also read our latest updates on our News pages.
 

Q. What is the guidance about closure of non-essential business premises?
A. See government guidance.

          
Q. What should I be telling already booked and future accommodation guests?   
A. See VisitBritain advice.
 

Q. I am interested in providing accommodation for keyworkers and vulnerable people. How do I register to do this?
A.  If your business can help, the email address to contact is dca@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
 

Q. My accommodation business is still open for keyworkers and vulnerable people, what advice is there about cleaning?   
A. See information from Eviivo. 

Q. My accommodation business is still open for keyworkers and vulnerable people, what advice is there about linen?        
A. Download this PDF: Managing Linen - Hotels.

Q. I had a guest/customer with suspected COVID-19 symptoms, what do I do?   
A. See Government advice.   

Q. I run a food shop and would like to start a collection service and home delivery, what advice is there?        
A. See Dorset Council information or BCP Council information . The Government have also produced advice about how to social distance yourself from your customers while still providing a good quality service.

Q. I run a restaurant and would like to start a takeaway or delivery service, what advice is there?        
A. See Dorset Council information or BCP Council information. The Government have also produced advice about how to social distance yourself from your customers while still providing a good quality service.

Q. I'm worried that I can't pay my rent and my landlord will evict me, what help is available? 
A. See Government advice.

Q. I own a second home which I usually rent out, can I visit my property?
A. Essential travel does not include visits to second homes, camp sites, caravan parks or similar, whether for isolation purposes or holidays.  People should remain in their primary residence.

Q. Where can I find information for self-catering business owners?
A. PASC (The Professional Association of Self-Caterers) UK provides useful information for Furnished Holiday Lets (FHLs). Currently their weekly newsletter is free to all businesses. You can read their latest updates here: www.pascuk.co.uk/

Q. Where do I find information about the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Schemes?
A. There are 2 schemes.

The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme supports small and medium-sized businesses, with an annual turnover of up to £45m, to access loans, overdrafts, invoice finance and asset finance of up to £5 million for up to six years. For further information, see the Government website.

The second scheme is for larger businesses. The Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) will support large businesses, with an annual turnover of over £45 million. All viable businesses with turnover of more than £45 million per year will be able to apply for up to £25 million of finance. Firms with a turnover of more than £250 million will be able to apply for up to £50 million of finance. For further information, see the Government website.
 

Q. I need to 'furlough' some of my employees, where do I find the information about how I do this?
A. See Government website.

Q. How do I claim back the Statutory Sick Pay that I have paid to an employee due to COVID-19?
A. See Government website.

For further information and business advice, go to the VisitBritain or UK Government Business Support websites.

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.