Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston MP paid a visit to the Cotswolds to visit some local businesses and to speak to those working in tourism, hospitality, and events. Accompanied by local MP, Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown the visit began with lunch at the Stump at Foss Cross, who have now opened their garden for dining as well as take-away pizzas.

The Minister then visited Cripps Barn, a wedding venue near Cirencester. Owned by Cripps & Co, with Managing Director, Mark Henriques. The tour ended in Bourton-on-the-Water, with a walk up the high street and a visit to the Model Village. Steve Gardner-Collins who chairs the Visit Gloucestershire Partnership, also met with the Minister to explain the need for a joint up plan for tourism and the need to encourage staycations this summer to bring more money into the area.

Commenting on the visit Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said:

“It was great to welcome the Minister to the Cotswolds to see some of the hospitality and attractions that we have to offer and to speak to those in the industry. Regarding weddings and events, they are an important industry for the Cotswolds and I have been working to see them fully reopen from 21 June without any restrictions.

“It was very important that the Minister was able to see various aspects of our local economy during his visit. Collectively we were able to demonstrate to the Minister how hard-hit the hospitality, tourism and events industries have been and how they are all desperately hoping that we will be ready to open fully on 21 June. Local businesses need the income from the key summer months. The tourism Minister seemed hopeful that with the current trend in the data this would be possible and I am grateful for him visiting and listening to our concerns”