BBC Points West to put together a piece around the Visitor Economy in Somerset

16 Feb 2022

BBC Points West to put together a piece around the Visitor Economy in Somerset
We have been asked by BBC Points West to put together a piece around the Visitor Economy in Somerset, its current state and what it will look like moving into 2022.
 
Our CEO has already spoken to the BBC around the fragility of the industry due to current inflationary impacts and the possible way in which consumers will be spending or not spending as inflation, tax and fuel increases begin to bite. Also, along with the onset of the rest of the world opening, there are the issues of people wanting to get away to hotter climes, such as Spain and Portugal.      
 
Our CEO also gave reference to the poor financial state of the industry with rising energy costs and National Insurance, increases in national living wage, increases in VAT, all putting pressure on already fragile SME businesses in the sector, who even with government support are still feeling very vulnerable in the marketplace. The ONS back in November 2021 reported that 100,000 SMEs had already defaulted on their CIBL loans.
 
Visit Somerset feels that our sector is far from being in a comfortable position despite the reopening of the country and this year will be one about potentially holding our nerve.   
 
It is important that we use this opportunity to reflect the realities of the industry good or bad and make sure that politicians understand potential support the industry needs. There is nothing better than a BBC piece reflecting this.
 
If you can send us any anecdotal evidence to support the story and state if you would possibly be prepared to support with an interview for the TV piece, we would be very grateful – please send your info to info@visitsomerset.co.uk covering occupancy rates, attraction booking numbers, general anecdotal evidence – of course all info will be kept in strictest confidence and will not be shared under your individual business name unless you specify, you are able to talk with the journalist appointed.We have been asked by BBC Points West to put together a piece around the Visitor Economy in Somerset, its current state and what it will look like moving into 2022.
 
Thank you and look forward to hearing from you 

Visit Somerset Team 
 
 
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