Foot-and-mouth hotline launched
The English Tourism Council has launched a national information hotline for people wanting to visit or holiday in the countryside during the current foot-and-mouth epidemic. The line is open seven days a week from 10am-8pm and the number is 0870 2415659.
American tourists are cancelling their UK holidays in droves and many more are still undecided on whether to visit the country this year, according to a survey by London online guide Londonelite.com, which questioned 450 US travellers. The website claimed 11 per cent of respondents had already cancelled their trips this year while 32 per cent were still making up their minds.
Noodle bar chain Wagamama is pledging to donate up to £10,000 a week to rural areas hit by foot and mouth by introducing a 25p per head levy to customers' bills. The group has also promised to avoid increasing prices following the outbreak "for as long as possible".
The AA has temporarily extended its accommodation helpline beyond hotels and bed-and-breakfast establishments to restaurants, pubs and campsites. The helpline, which is open Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 5pm, offers advice on legal and insurance issues. The number is 0161 428 7039.
The Hotel Marketing Association has called on the government to take immediate action to reassure visitors that Britain is "open for business" and is still safe to visit despite the foot and mouth outbreak.
