Eastbourne tourism schemes shortlisted for national awards

Two tourism schemes in Eastbourne have been shortlisted as finalists for national awards.
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The schemes were created in response to the pandemic, through a partnership between the Eastbourne Hospitality Association and regulators from Eastbourne Borough Council Licensing and Environmental Health, East Sussex Trading Standards and East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, with support from VisitEastbourne.

Eastbourne’s covid-ready scheme launched last summer as the town emerged from the first lockdown and supported businesses with guidance around Covid-19 control measures, risk assessments and ethically sourced PPE to enable businesses to reopen safely and to reduce anxiety.

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The first scheme of its kind in the UK, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and supported by Your Eastbourne BID and Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce, the recognised logo can now be seen in the windows of hotels, shops, restaurants, salons and many more business sectors, providing residents and visitors with reassurance for the safest possible visit.

Eastbourne tourism (Photo by Jon Ridby)Eastbourne tourism (Photo by Jon Ridby)
Eastbourne tourism (Photo by Jon Ridby)

The second scheme, funded by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, brought all regulators together to support businesses following the 2021 lockdown as they reopened and adapted to industry changes, particularly following business diversification or new ownership.

The pilot scheme supported businesses with friendly and informal guidance using webinars and live Q&A sessions designed to reduce business owner’s anxiety, helping to meet legal obligations to ultimately improve safety and productivity.

The Office for Product Safety & Standards Awards has named both schemes as finalists, winners will be announced on June 10.

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Councillor Margaret Bannister, Eastbourne Borough Council’s lead cabinet member for tourism and enterprise, said, “We are delighted that these two schemes have been recognised. Working in partnership with businesses is the key to our success as a destination, and the more we can support each other then the better the visitor experience will be.”

A representative from the Eastbourne Hospitality Association (EHA) executive board said, “Another proud example of the EHA’s collaborative partnerships with VisitEastbourne, Primary Authority, East Sussex College and the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.

“It is truly remarkable what can be achieved working together on a project, pushing technology boundaries and completing the whole project over virtual meetings. Well done everyone and good luck.”

For more information or to view covid-ready businesses visit VisitEastbourne.com/covid-ready.