Anne McDonald owner of The Spey, Grantown-on-Spey, commented:
“It’s great we’re now finally allowed to welcome guests back into our Bed & Breakfast.
“Now we are open, life is regaining a bit of normality.
“We can start earning our livelihood again and can focus on what we do best – looking after guests.
“Our main priority has always been to ensure that our guests will still have the holiday experience that saw glowing reviews and multiple awards sent our way.
“High levels of customer service and care are imperative to the way we operate at The Spey.
“Since re-opening, bookings have been minimal compared to a usual year, but with the relaxation of restrictions from the 17th May we are optimistic about seeing more guests through the door.
“The summer is currently quieter than we would usually expect, without our international and European guests, but we are hopeful of a better season than last year.
“We’re incredibly grateful for those who have booked with us now or previously, and every stay helps both us and our community.”
Paul Saxby, Marketing Director of eviivo commented:
“The UK has one of the most robust hospitality sectors … isn’t “B&B” made in Britain after all?
“Three successive lockdowns have been unforgiving, but the resilience of our Hotels, B&B and vacation rental hosts has been remarkable.
“Like the true pros that they are, they have used the time to refurbish, reinvent themselves, and implement deep changes to secure the health and safety of their guests.
“eviivo is really proud of the way in which everyone in the sector have pulled together.
“We’re seeing a big surge in bookings, up to the same levels as 2019 already.
“So, at eviivo, we are once again calling on all the British people to rediscover our beautiful imaginative country, support British hospitality, stay safe and stay local.”
David & Mandie Chant, owners of Nightingale Cottage Bed & Breakfast, Sussex commented:
“Here at Nightingale Cottage Bed and Breakfast we are very pleased to be reopening on the 17th May and look forward to welcoming guests back to our 400-year old thatched cottage.
“We’re expecting bookings this summer to be mostly UK guests and we’re confident that business will improve dramatically this year to reach pre-COVID-19 levels.
“Now is a great opportunity for UK holidaymakers to explore and enjoy what the UK has to offer.
“We have put in place our COVID-19 safety procedures and have achieved COVID-safe accreditation with both the AA and Visit England.
“On arrival we will ask our guests if we can take their temperature and if possible provide evidence of a recent negative flow test.
“Masks will be required to be worn on arrival and in the common areas of the premises and we will maintain social distancing.
“There has been a good level of help from VisitEngland, eviivo, the B&B Association and UK Hospitality in general and the industry has all really pulled together.
“As a small independent B&B we are not expecting the long-term effects of COVID to adversely affect our business unless further lockdown or travel restrictions are implemented.”
