Hastings expecting significant numbers of British ‘staycationers’ this summer

Earlier this week transport secretary Grant Shapps said it was too soon for people in the UK to be booking holidays abroad for this summer.

The confusion around foreign travel is likely to result in British holiday makers choosing to stay in the UK.

This would be a major boost to Hastings where the tourism sector – in normal years – supports more than 7,000 jobs and is worth £385 million to the local economy.

However, the travel restrictions are likely to result in fewer overseas visitors or language students which would be a major loss, according to Kevin Boorman, the manager of 1066 Country Marketing, the department of tourism in Hastings.

He said: “We are expecting significant numbers of British staycationers again this year, as last, with a particular focus on glamping and camping, although we are expecting few if any overseas visitors, or language students, which will be a major loss.

“When we are able to we will focus our marketing away from traditional visitor honeypots and more towards our fantastic open spaces.

“The challenge is of course trying to plan when attractions and accommodation providers are able to open, and we look forward to receiving more guidance from the government, as that will be key. We know that accommodation providers are expecting a good season when the restrictions are lifted, and are looking at encouraging longer stays, as that is more economic: so short breaks and weeks rather than one or two night stays.

“Hastings and 1066 Country are rightly famous for our superb events programme, and that is also challenging at the moment. Some events take many months to plan, so it is likely that we won’t see events until later in the summer, but, again, we will be guided by the government, and what we think can be done safely.”

Last year was particularly tough for Hastings’ tourism sector and local businesses who benefit from the increased summer footfall, as visitors were actively encouraged to avoid visiting the town during the first national lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Even as lockdown eased, businesses struggled with the continuing restrictions.

Councillor Colin Fitzgerald, lead councillor for Regeneration, Culture and Tourism, said the pandemic has had a ‘devastating impact’ on the tourism sector in Hastings.

He added: “In more normal times it supports over 7,000 jobs and is worth over £385m to the local economy. As Covid-19 cases decrease we can begin to look forward to a time when we can welcome visitors to our town again, when it is safe to do so. To enjoy our unique local shops and our excellent attractions, offering a huge boost to local businesses that have been hit hard by the pandemic.

“These local businesses have continued to work tirelessly with our Environmental Health team to operate as safely as possible and we have no doubt they will do so again when the time comes for them to reopen their doors fully.

“Hastings Borough Council is a key partner in 1066 Country Marketing, the public/private sector partnership responsible for promoting the area locally, and we have received many compliments about how they have helped local tourism businesses. That work will continue when the lockdown eases and we are able to safely welcome visitors here again.”