Cabinet Minister visits tourism venues | Latest news

Cabinet Minister Oliver Dowden visited West Sussex visitor attractions on Tuesday 18 August with the aim of hearing about the challenges faced by the tourism industry and to highlight the Enjoy Summer Safely Campaign.

The Secretary of State for Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport took part in discussions with business leaders at Butlin’s Resort in Bognor Regis, focusing on the impact of Covid-19 on the tourism sector, how the summer season is going, the measures being taken to keep visitors safe, and how the Government can help the industry in the coming months.

Cllr Dr James Walsh, Leader of Arun District Council said: “We welcomed this opportunity to meet with the Minister. As we know, tourism has been particularly hard hit due to its seasonality and the coastal areas being an essential economic driver to the county. With the recent announcement of a confirmed recession, we know that coastal towns are already feeling the impact. 

“Recent Experience West Sussex forecasts (June 2020) indicate a decline of 59% for visits in 2020 and a drop of £10.6bn in visitor spend. This is huge.

“We are so pleased that the Secretary of State understands the value of tourism to West Sussex. It has given Experience West Sussex and Arun District Council the opportunity to highlight issues and ask directly for support in helping to develop tourism for our Coastal areas in the future.”