Summer 2021 can be pivotal moment for Yorkshire tourism: The Yorkshire Post says

After an extraordinarily challenging year for the nation, it is little surprise that the announcement of the Government’s road map for ending lockdown restrictions for good has led to airlines and travel firms reporting a surge in demand as people look to enjoy a much-needed break.
Crowds are expected to return to Yorkshire's coastal locations this summer.Picture Richard PonterCrowds are expected to return to Yorkshire's coastal locations this summer.Picture Richard Ponter
Crowds are expected to return to Yorkshire's coastal locations this summer.Picture Richard Ponter

But even with foreign holidays expected to be permitted from May 17, the current situation means there will never be a better time to support the local tourism industry by booking breaks within England and Yorkshire itself. With pre-pandemic tourism worth an estimated £9bn to Yorkshire’s economy and supporting tens of thousands of jobs, the road map at last provides some tangible hope to those working in the sector who have struggled through the consequences of coronavirus for their businesses – even if there are major question marks over when international visitors will return.

While it is entirely understandable why many English people are so keen to have a holiday abroad if they can, there are ongoing concerns about issues such as the speed of the vaccine rollout in other countries; how well current jabs tackling emerging variants and the potential need for expensive hotel quarantine stays when returning from foreign breaks should nations be moved onto the Government’s ‘red list’ - all of which raise question marks over immediate international travel.

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In that light, 2021 could end up being a ‘back to the future’ moment for Yorkshire’s tourism businesses where people who opt for so-called staycations end up making such breaks something of an annual tradition in future years.

One of the small silver linings of the pandemic has been people being able to appreciate the beauty of what is on their doorsteps more. This could be a golden opportunity to apply the same principle when booking a much-deserved holiday.

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