MeetEngland reports the UK government has given MICE suppliers in England the green light to begin welcoming back international business events on October 1, 2020.
“The confirmed timeline for reopening conferences and business events is great news for England’s valuable events industry and the thousands of jobs that depend on it. Giving certainty to businesses means they can plan with confidence,” said Patricia Yates, director, VisitBritain/VisitEngland. “MeetEngland, alongside our suppliers, has been working very hard to ensure the sector can get back on its feet, ready to welcome back visitors safely and to showcase the outstanding destinations, venues and incentive experiences that make England a leading destination for business events.”
VisitBritain’s executive vice-president for The Americas, Gavin Landry, said Canada is an important visitor source market for the United Kingdom. “We are working hard to ensure that when it is time to travel once again, our industry is ready to welcome Canadian visitors back.”
England’s MICE suppliers “good to go”
As the sector works towards reopening, MeetEngland is encouraging businesses to register for the UK-wide “We’re Good to Go” industry standard and consumer mark, providing a “ring of confidence” for business events planners.
“We’re Good to Go” was launched by VisitEngland in partnership with Tourism Northern Ireland, VisitScotland and Visit Wales. It ensures a standard-led approach across the United Kingdom. The self-assessment provides specific guidelines for sectors including accommodation, visitor attractions, restaurants, pubs and business conference and event venues with signposting to further industry and trade association guidance as required.
Almost 30,000 businesses across the UK have already signed up for the standard, which demonstrates that they are adhering to government and public health guidance, have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment and have the required processes in place.
According to the Business Visits and Events Partnership (BVEP), the events industry contributes more than £70 billion annually to the UK economy with business events worth £31 billion. More than 95.3 million delegates attend conferences and meetings in the UK every year.
The UK government has removed quarantine restrictions for visitors from more than 70 countries. FULL LIST.
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