After a year of restrictions and lockdowns Torbay Council, the English Riviera BID Company and TDA are getting ready for a responsible re-opening as restrictions ease in the coming weeks.

With businesses, outdoor attractions and some holiday accommodation starting to re-open from 12 April, while international travel remains restricted, Torbay is set for a busy start to the season and the message is simple - Respect, Protect, Enjoy.

The organisations have each worked relentlessly to support our businesses with over £86 million in funding delivered by the council and all three organisations briefing businesses on COVID-19 safety and latest support packages. Now we are helping those businesses forced to close, to re-open safely and rise again. 

Dr Lincoln Sargeant, Director of Public Health at Torbay Council said: “I urge everyone to play their part in ‘Responsible Riviera’ as we get ready to welcome residents and visitors back safely. We can already meet more people outside and from 12 April high street businesses, hospitality venues and outdoor attractions can re-open. We need everyone to play their part by staying COVID-19 safe everywhere you go and resisting the temptation to bend the rules.  There’s lots of things we can do now, so let’s continue to be responsible.”

Carolyn Custerson, CEO of the English Riviera BID Company said: “The gradual re-opening is both exciting and critical to our economy, which has been hit hard over the past 12 months. We are very much looking forward to welcoming visitors safely back to the resort.’’

Sara Bond, Non-Executive Board Member at TDA said: “It’s an exciting time for everyone, from people discovering our outdoor spaces to businesses looking forward to welcoming customers back through their doors, but we all need to be responsible and it’s vital for our economy that we all continue to follow the rules and COVID-19 safety measures.”