Blackpool hoteliers' hoping for safe July opening amid coronavirus crisis

But many fear the coronavirus lockdown has already taken its toll and that if a second rise in cases hits hard forcing a second shut-down then it could be the end for some businesses.

Claire Smith from the hoteliers’ association Stay Blackpool said that nevertheless people were keen to come back to Blackpool as many had tried to book in over the recent end of May bank holiday.

She said: “We received lots of booking enquiries for the bank holiday so clearly not all the general public understood that we were still closed.

“There are some B&Bs, guesthouses and hotels that are accepting guests but these are key workers or essential travellers that meet the government criteria.

“It is also evident that those wanting to come and stay didn’t appreciate that Blackpool itself is closed, no attractions, no pubs, clubs, entertainment venues or even loos.”

She said the majority of hoteliers feared that unscrupulous accommodation providers would accept these guests, not take precautions and so spread the virus.

She said: “The biggest industry fear is that we have a second wave of Covid-19 and the current possible opening up date of July 4 be postponed – that would be absolutely devastating.

“Many hoteliers won’t make the July 4 opening, they’ll go under before that, many are just hanging on in there. So if that date is extended, it truly will be devastating as we desperately need to be able to recover some of the lost season.

“We also need the supporting attractions, pubs, cafes, and restaurants to be allowed to open at that time, so we really need the public to continue to stick to the easing of lockdown more stringently to protect themselves and our businesses going forward.

Marketing Lancashire has held a roundtable discussion on all aspects of the coronavirus issue related to tourism.

Rachel McQueen, chief executive of Marketing Lancashire said: “We’re working very closely with Visit England and Visit Britain to ensure our tourism businesses are ready to open safely, once government guidelines are issued.

"With some retail set to open on June 1 we are all hoping for a phased opening of some accommodation and hospitality soon after, to help save what remains of the main season.”