Eastbourne hotel boss tells TV programme it will take ‘two to three years’ to recover from covid losses

Hydro Hotel on Mount Road was the backdrop as general manager Jonathan Owen was asked about how the tourism industry in the country has been affected by Covid-19.

While talking to Kevin Duala, Mr Owen said, “We have been shut for seven months in the last year. We have had to adjust to new guidelines, guidelines changing, every month has been a challenge.

“Financially, two to three years to recover what we have lost. The tourism market needs a good spring and needs a good summer to bounce back.”

In the segment Mr Duala also talks to potential tourists who have booked a number of holidays that might not go ahead.

On the issue of tourists cancelling their trips Mr Owen said, “It is concerning but I feel that it is really, really important that people have something to look forward to this summer.

“We know that travelling abroad is a challenge and booking a holiday in Britain is key.”

The future of tourism may become clearer this evening (February 22 at 7pm) as the Prime Minister is expected to set out his plan to ease the nation out of lockdown with domestic and foreign travel a potential talking point.