Foot and mouth crisis slaughters rural tourism industry across UK.

AuthorHayward, Cathy
PositionBrief Article

Hotels and restaurants are facing bankruptcy as their customers are barred from the countryside by the foot and mouth epidemic, writes Cathy Hayward

Small rural businesses are facing bankruptcy because of the foot and mouth crisis, according to the English Tourist Council. Tourism revenues, normally around 12 billion [pounds sterling] a year, are down 75 per cent, and losses of over 1 billion [pounds sterling] are predicted as tourists abandon rural holidays.

Hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, tour operators and guides and paying visitor attractions, which rely on a steady flow of visitors, are suffering. "The effect of the foot and mouth crisis could be far-reaching if it persists until Easter, which is when the tourism season starts. Visits to the countryside will remain a problem," a spokesman said.

Howard Christie, owner of the Wasdale Head Inn in Cumbria has lost 24,000 [pounds sterling] in 10 days. "We are contemplating closure, lots of small businesses could go under," he said. Lake District hotelier Harry Berger agreed. "We may have to close permanently if this goes on." And Snowdonia's National Mountain Centre has been forced to lay off 40 staff because the park is closed, despite excellent winter snow. Chief executive Iain Peter acknowledged the business could close.

Abattoirs are also suffering. Sixty workers at an abattoir near Rhyl, North...

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