Tourism NI Adopts Industry Standard for Tourism

Tourism NI joins with national tourism bodies to adopt industry standard for tourism

Tourism NI has partnered with the national tourism bodies of England, Scotland and Wales to roll out a new UK-wide industry standard and consumer mark to provide reassurance to businesses, customers and communities that safe working guidelines in relation to COVID-19 have been adopted.

As the sector works towards reopening, the ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry standard and supporting mark allows businesses to sign-up and commit to implementing the relevant Government and public health guidance, including undertaking a COVID-19 risk assessment. Businesses can in turn use the licensed mark as part of their communications.

The free scheme is now open to tourism businesses following publication of official guidance by the Department for the Economy and Tourism NI this week.

Commenting on the initiative, John McGrillen, Tourism NI CEO said: “The rolling out of a UK wide industry standard and consumer mark is good news for the many tourism businesses across Northern Ireland who are gearing up to reopen their doors in the coming weeks. They will be putting every possible measure in place to operate safely and provide reassurance to staff and customers alike that they have complied with official health guidance.

“We are acutely aware of the difficulties faced as the tourism sector reopens and the challenges ahead as we rebuild, however we are confident that with the right measures in place and with ongoing support, the tourism industry in Northern Ireland can regain lost ground and return to growth.

“We have been delighted to partner with the national tourism agencies in Wales, Scotland and England to create a common approach to tackling the pressures brought by the Covid-19 health crisis and to support the industry through recovery.”

To obtain the mark businesses must complete the registration process through the ‘We’re Good to Go’ online platform goodtogoni.com and will go through a number of steps to verify they have put the necessary processes in place to re-open safely.

Businesses will then receive a certificate and the ‘We’re Good To Go’ mark for display in their premises and online.

Businesses across the UK will be agreeing to operate in accordance with their respective national guidance, including the social distancing and cleanliness protocols that must be in place.
In Northern Ireland, businesses should align with the ‘Working Safely During Covid-19 in the Visitor Economy’ guidance published this week, as well as the legislative regulations and restrictions set out by the NI Executive. A benefit of participating in the standard includes a notification system to alert businesses to any changes to the official guidance. A call-handling service will also provide registration support.

Accommodation, visitor attractions, restaurants and pubs, business conference and events venues and tour and coach operators are currently eligible to apply.

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