UK holidays might be the only type of vacation many Britons will consider this year in light of the pandemic and subsequent travel chaos. However, with that comes a need to ensure safety for travellers – a task much-loved seaside Brighton has taken on as tourists flock back to the coast.
Mayor of Brighton, Mayor Alan Robins, spoke exclusively with Express.co.uk, to reveal the ways in which the popular resort is keeping the holiday spirit alive amid new safety measures.
“The past few months have been challenging for many in the tourism industry, but we are so pleased we’re able to welcome back guests to this great city we’re proud to call home,” he said.
“There will be slight changes holidaymakers can expect on a trip to Brighton this year to make sure everyone is as safe as possible, whilst still maintaining the fun and free-spirited atmosphere that Brighton is known for.”
As part of the “new normal”, or as they are calling it “return to the #NeverNormalBrighton”, there will be some changes to the holiday experience vital in ensuring locals and visitors are looked after.
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The British Airways i360 Viewing Tower, standing 162metres above the pebbled shores, is ensuring all guests have their temperatures taken and is employing social distancing during the experience.
Shelter Hall Raw food market, which opened its doors just this year, is making use of QR codes to help keep contact to a minimum.
“We have also partnered with VisitEngland, and we are actively embracing and using their We’re Good to Go industry-standard trademark,” continued Mayor Robins.
“Businesses across Brighton with this award have demonstrated they have worked hard to follow the Government and public health guidelines, and that they have processes in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing.
“We hope that this reassures visitors that our businesses are complying with social distancing guidelines and that they can have confidence to go out, eat out and enjoy all of the fantastic options Brighton has available for a getaway this summer.”
In fact, even the Mayor himself says he has been bowled over by local businesses going “above and beyond”.
However, he also points out that there are plenty of options for those visitors who might not be ready to enter into indoor social spaces just yet.
“We’re lucky that Brighton offers an abundance of amazing outside spaces for visitors to enjoy,” he said.
“With the sea to the south and the breathtaking South Downs to the north,
there are many naturally socially distanced activities, such as cycling and walking routes, which have seen very little change since the pandemic. Brighton is also home to many watersports activities which take place either on the sea itself or at Lagoon Watersports at the Marina or Hove Lagoon, all of which are naturally socially distanced and just need to be booked in advance.”
The good news is, regardless of the type of activity tourists want to pursue, the majority of Brighton’s famous amenities have reopened for business.
“We have already seen great success with the reopening of the
iconic Brighton Palace Pier which has experienced a positive increase in footfall over
the last month,” he said.
“Other family favourites such as the magnificent and historic Royal
Pavilion, Brighton’s most loved crazy golf course, Globalls at the Marina, and Britain’s oldest electric railway, Volks Railway, are also open for visitors to enjoy with friends and family.”
Though things may be a little different to the holidays of years gone before, Mayor Robins remains positive for the season and for the future ahead,
“We know this has been a tricky time but with the rise of staycations and UK holidays we are hopeful that Brighton will be high on people’s wish list for holidays this
summer,” he said.
“With such close connections to other major cities and easy transport routes
we hope to welcome many to our beautiful city for a long weekend or even a day trip.
“With the best of both seaside and countryside, and the measures local businesses are taking, there are plenty of opportunities for
visitors to enjoy the summer safely.”