Campsites and holiday parks forced to cancel bookings for July due to lack of safety rules from govt

CAMPSITES and caravan parks that had planned to open on July 4 have had to cancel or pause bookings because of a lack of advice from the UK government. 

British sites had seen a surge in interest from holidaymakers looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a staycation camping trip this summer. 

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But having received little communication from the government on what safety guidelines will need to be followed, businesses are now looking to push back their reopening date. 

According to the Daily Mail, growing numbers of sites with tent bookings are choosing to cancel or pause bookings. 

Martin Smith, of Campsites.co.uk told the newspaper: “Campsite owners don’t know if shower facilities are safe to open and what provisions they must put in place to protect their customers.

“They need clear and definitive Government advice to open safely this summer.

“Early warning of any restrictions and policies will really be essential. That’s really the key to whether the staycation boom actually happens or not.”

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The former leader of the Conservative party Iain Duncan Smith added:”’If campsites and caravan parks are not sure of the way ahead because of unclear guidance, then the Government has got to make a move on that.” 

The Camping and Caravanning Club are hoping to open the majority of their sites on July 4, so long as the government approves.

But there will be a number of changes at the campsites , in order to comply with social distancing and good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

That means that many campsites could be forced to open without access to the toilet and shower blocks.

The club has said that it is waiting for “clear operational guidance” from the government before confirming their opening date, but that they were aiming for July 4 in England.

The Mail has reported that Visit Britain is busy drawing up guidelines on how to provide safe holidays for tourists, with the aim of publishing it next week. 

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Jon Boston, spokesperson for the British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA) previously told Sun Online Travel that parks could open in “phases”.

He said that while communal areas such as cafes, swimming pools and bars will remain closed, the parks can reopen due to the self-contained nature of the facilities, as they all have their own kitchens and bathrooms.

He explained: “There is no definite date, but we hope for July.”