The government has announced extra help for tourism and travel businesses in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

The new measures mean that there is a second payment available for those who have applied previously under the Strategic Capacity Scheme, based on their registered accommodation across a range of accommodation categories.

Further support is also being made available to businesses and the self-employed in the broader tourism and travel sector.

Businesses that significantly rely on tourism income may also apply for a contribution towards salary and overhead costs, while self-employed in these sectors may be eligible for a further grant of up to £3,000.

These support packages are in addition to the salary support scheme, which will continue for the tourism and travel sectors until at least September.

Minister for Enterprise Laurence Skelly MHK said: ’As a government, our focus remains on making decisions that balance our island’s health, societal and economic needs.

’We have successfully suppressed the spread of Covid-19 here in the island, and the ability to take clear and decisive action to close our borders has played a vital role in this, however, some sectors continue to be significantly impacted by these decisions and we recognise the considerable challenges they are facing at this time.

’We have been consulting closely with industry partners and representatives of the tourism and travel sector to understand the best ways to support going forward.

’The recent announcement of an air bridge between Guernsey and the Isle of Man is a small positive step forward and provides opportunity for businesses to start to welcome visitors once again, but we recognise that the sector also requires ongoing tangible support to best enable our recovery once borders are able to fully reopen.

’Given that the continued border restrictions are an ongoing necessity to protect the whole island, it is appropriate to extend further financial support to businesses who are wholly affected by this choice.

’While the future cannot be certain, it is clear from where we sit today that we are unlikely to be able to welcome visitors to our shores again until at least the end of September 2020, and consequently this next phase of support for this quarter to the end of September will help sustain this industry in readiness for what we hope will be a strong recovery in 2021.

’It will also allow more time for us all to better understand what the winter period may look like and what support may be required.’