Southport hotels launch Stay Small, Stay Safe campaign

Southport’s independent hotels, B&B, holiday lets and guest houses are a superb place to enjoy a holiday or a staycation this year.

More and more people are looking to enjoy a break in the UK due to travel restrictions on countries abroad being put in place during the coronavirus pandemic.

Southport Hoteliers Association (SHA) has now launched a Stay Small Stay Safe campaign informing visitors and holiday makers that the smaller, independent venues are the perfect places to stay for anyone looking to enjoy a top quality break in Covid safe surroundings.

Established in 1888 and the oldest hotels association in the country, the organisation represents the interests of independent hotels, B&Bs and self-catering operators in and around Southport.

SHA board member Anthony Duffey said: “After being in lockdown we all appreciate the freedom and luxury of taking a break more than ever.

“If you decide to take a break one of the biggest decisions you will have to make is where to stay.

“It is only natural that you may have concerns relating to Covid and that is why small accommodation providers such as B&Bs, guest houses and holiday lets have become popular post lockdown with tourists looking to stay away from the crowds.

“Proprietors of these small businesses are personally involved in every element of your stay. “Personal care and attention to detail is taken to ensure that guests are safe in every part of the guest experience from check-in, to breakfast, room servicing and check-out.

“High standards of cleanliness and hygiene have always been a priority but now it is even more important as all processes and procedures are elevated to another level ensuring compliance with Covid-19 cleaning protocols.

“Rooms are serviced and breakfasts served with high standards in mind, not profit margins, with proprietors prioritising quality, not cost.”

Southport BID has given its backing to the hotel sector in Southport, praising the immense hard work that hoteliers have put in to give visitors a big warm Southport welcome while putting safety first.

Southport BID CEO Rachel Fitzgerald said: “The independent business owners here in Southport have worked extremely hard since reopening to ensure visitors and customers have a safe experience here.

“We are really proud of the way they have responded and the efforts they have put in.

“Independent, small businesses are very much the heart and soul of Southport and that level of personal care and dedication shows throughout.”

Anthony Duffey, who runs Sunnyside Bed and Breakfast in Southport, believes that smaller venues have the ability to react to new Government guidelines quickly and effectively.

He said: “When the Government announces changes to the guidelines, small properties have found it easier than larger establishments to quickly adapt, implement and enforce the revised guidelines.

“With fewer people staying in these properties there is a reduced risk of catching Covid-19 through reduced levels of interactions and cross contamination in communal parts of the building.”

Southport is a beautiful Victorian seaside town in the North West of England that boasts a quality selection of small accommodation establishments.

Southport Hoteliers Association, established in 1888, is the oldest in the country.

Anthony Duffey said: “Our members have many years of experience working in the hospitality industry and view running their business not as a job, but as a vocation.

“Dedicated and passionate about what they do, guests can be assured of a safe and positive experience, so what are you waiting for, stay small and stay safe!”