The effects of the COVID-19 Coronavirus lockdown have been felt across the entire country no matter the industry, but tourism took a massive blow. Overnight day trip and tour companies had no choice but to shut down and postpone all future plans, trips and holiday, as they faced uncertainty. Unfortunately, we lost big industry names such as National Holidays, and most recently, Funway Holidays.
However, there is now a light at the end of what has been a very long tunnel. The easing of lockdown measures and the re-opening of attractions, shops, cafes and pubs brings about a desperately needed opportunity to get wheels rolling again.
Much of the day trip patrons happen to fall into the ‘at risk’ category for the virus, but with day trips being a staple for so many it has been a service sorely missed making people all the more eager for day trip companies get begin offering trips sooner rather than later.
But of course, there’s still a way to go with the pandemic. Operators will now be focussing their attention on how they can maximise customer safety and social distancing in the most viable and effective way, safety is paramount. Without thorough planning and cautious management, we are likely to see a second spike paralyse the industry all over again.
Day trip providers across Leicester had been in the planning of a restart with robust policies for safely handling customers, but this was dealt a huge blow when Leicester became the first UK city to be put back into a state of lockdown, making any plans impossible.
So, what now for Leicester? Well, with the extended lockdown measured due for Government reviewal, we could see new trips in the works for the end of July/start of August.