Dowden held a roundtable discussion with Sussex tourism firms at Butlin’s Bognor Regis resort on Tuesday (18 August).

Following the meeting, he tweeted: “We talked about the help they have got via govt schemes [and] what more we can do to assist them in their recovery.

“Whilst the challenges facing them are many, they are working hard to welcome back visitors safely.”

https://twitter.com/OliverDowden/status/1295721579813523457

During his visit, Dowden met with holidaymakers and staff and was given a tour by Butlin’s managing director Jon Hendry-Pickup.

He was shown new health and safety measures put in place due to Covid-19, including the use of an open-air amphitheatre hosting entertainment with capacity 500 people.

Butlin’s is also allowing customers to book activities, swimming and shows in advance to avoid queuing and operating social distancing in its Splash swimming pool. 

Hendry-Pickup said: “Butlin’s has been treasured by generations of British holidaymakers and as Covid-19 restrictions eased it was once again the go-to destination for families across the country.

“It was a privilege to welcome the culture secretary to Butlin’s so he could see first-hand the measures we have put in place.”