Question 1

Parkdean Resorts £250 Holiday Voucher

Accepted Answer

Visit South East England and Parkdean Resorts (https://www.parkdeanresorts.co.uk/)teamed up in September/October 25 to offer a £250 voucher for one winner to use on a holiday in 2026 at one of the 10 parks across the region.  The winner was picked at random and was choose as Ms Z Brown from Surrey.

Question 2

Solent Hotel and Spa Competition Winner

Accepted Answer

We are delighted to confirm that K.Andreen,  Cornwall, was picked at random from all the entries to win a one-night stay for two people at The Solent Hotel and Spa!

Question 3

Winner of £50 Amazon Voucher for completing Visitor Sentiment Survey - February 2025

Accepted Answer

We are delighted to confirm that Mr Heighington was selected at random as the winner of a £50 Amazon voucher for kindly completing our recent visitor sentiment survey looking at holiday travel in 2025/6.  Full results can be found in the Industry Insights section of the website.

Question 4

Winner of the MEET Beyond London & MEET Reading PA Show Competition at London Excel

Accepted Answer

Congratulations to Ms Jarvis from the Royal Automobile Club who was selected at random to win a delicious afternoon tea at the Roseate Reading w(https://www.roseatehotels.com/reading/theroseate/dine/afternoon-tea/)hen she visited our stand at this year's PA Show at London Excel.

Question 5

Blenheim Palace Woodstock Winter Hamper Winner - December 2024

Accepted Answer

Thank you to Blenheim Palace (https://www.blenheimpalace.com/)for providing the Woodstock Winter hamper for our  Christmas social media word search - we are delighted to announce the winner as Ms Booth, Surrey.  The secret word was Santa Claus.

Question 6

Winter Visitor Sentiment Survey Winner

Accepted Answer

Massive congratulations to Miss Mackenzie from Inverness Scotland, who kindly completed our visitor sentiment survey and was the person selected at random as winner of a £50 Amazon voucher.

Question 7

Wicked Little Letters Competition Winner

Accepted Answer

We are delighted to confirm that Ms M Hagger, West Sussex was picked at random from all the entries to win a 2-night overnight stay in Arundel with breakfast, dinner and a tour of this beautiful historic town, plus train tickets with Southern Railway (https://www.southernrailway.com/)to celebrate the launch of the fantastic British comedy film - Wicked Little Letters.  (https://www.studiocanal.com/title/wicked-little-letters-2024/)Congratulations

Question 8

MEET Beyond London Spin to Win PA Show London Excel Feb 24

Accepted Answer

We are delighted to confirm that Mrs A Steward, Worcestershire, was picked at random as the winner of the overnight stay with breakfast for 2 at the Royal Maritime Hotel, Portsmouth -(https://www.royalmaritimehotel.co.uk/) Congratulations for being one of our Spin to Win winners.

Question 9

MEET Beyond London - Spin To Win - PA Show London Excel Feb 24

Accepted Answer

We are delighted to confirm that Ms V Taylor (West Sussex) was picked at random as the winner of the overnight stay at Tapnell Farm.(https://tapnellfarm.com/play/tapnell-farm-park) Isle of Wight, in a eco pod for 2 as part of our Spin to Win prize draw offered at the PA Show London Excel Show

Question 10

Vakantiebeurs Stand Competition 2024

Accepted Answer

In January 2024 we were delighted to once again head to the Netherlands for the Vakantiebeurs Travel Show. Utrecht.  Visitors to our stand or via a QR code on our DL touring map guide were given the chance to win a trip to visit South East England in 2024, including 100 euro's travel voucher, and overnight stay with dinner and breakfast for two at The Relais Cooden Beach,(https://www.therelaisretreats.com/coodenbeach) Bexhill-on-Sea and sparkling wine tasting experience for four at Gusbourne Estate (https://www.gusbourne.com/)Appledore, Kent.   The winner was chosen at random and has been contacted directly - congratulations to Mr Brand, Holland.

Question 11

Visitor Sentiment Survey - February 24

Accepted Answer

Thank you to everyone who completed this half yearly Visitor Sentiment Survey telling us how you are feeling about travel in 2024.  From the entries a winner was chosen at random to receive a £50 amazon voucher, well done to C Pope,  East Sussex, your voucher is whizzing its way to you.

Question 12

How's Business Survey - February Winner

Accepted Answer

Congratulations to our latest winner - British Wildlife Centre (https://britishwildlifecentre.co.uk/)- Surrey, thank you for taking the time to complete our survey.

Question 13

Ten Family Ticket Giveaway to visit the Ardingly Winter Fair, South of England Showground.

Accepted Answer

We were delighted to get our visitors into the Christmas spirit by giving away x 10 family tickets to visit the Ardingly Winter Fair (https://www.seas.org.uk/winter-fair/)held at the South of England Showground.  Working in association with Experience West Sussex (https://www.experiencewestsussex.com/) winners where selected at random and emailed directly with prize tickets by South of England Agricultural Society.

• P Collis, East Sussex
 • C Derry, Kent
 • S Lambourne, West Sussex
 • S Clyma, Hampshire
 • S Lodge, West Sussex
 • D Askew, Surrey
 • C MacLaren, Kent
 • J Dove, Yorkshire
 • J Francis, Kent
 • P Cox, West Sussex

Festive Congratulations 🎄

Question 14

Autumn PA Show, Old Billingsgate - Spin to Win

Accepted Answer

A massive thank you to everyone who took part in our Spin To Win competition at the Autumn PA Show.  Congratulations to all the winners below -

1 x Family Ticket to British Motorshow 2024 donated by Farnborough International Conference and Exhibition Centre (https://www.farnborough.com/)- Winner M Chartas, London

1 x Overnight Stay at Portsmouth Marriott Hotel (https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/pmeha-portsmouth-marriott-hotel/overview/)on a bed and breakfast basis - Winner A Massey, Berkshire

Pair of adult tickets to visit the D-Day Story, Portsmouth (https://theddaystory.com/)- Winner A Andrew, Berkshire

One night bed & breakfast for two people at Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa, (https://sirchristopherwren.co.uk/)Windsor - Winner C Morgan, London

Dinner, plus a 1 night stay in a Deluxe room for 2 people including breakfast at Easthampstead Park, (https://www.eastpark.co.uk/)Wokingham - Winner M Duffell, London

Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at the Richmond Hill Hotel,(https://www.richmondhill-hotel.co.uk/) Richmond - Winner E Newburn, Surrey

Afternoon Tea for two at Burnham Beeches Hotel,(https://corushotels.com/burnham-beeches-hotel/) Burnham, Near Windsor - Winner H Birchenhough, London

Question 15

Vakantiebeurs 2023 stand competition

Accepted Answer

The winner of the 100 euro travel voucher and tickets for two to English Heritage (https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/)- Stonehenge and a Dorset coast cruise from Poole, with City Experiences by Hornblower (https://www.cityexperiences.com/poole/city-cruises/)is Mr Van de Loo, Netherlands.

A massive thank you to everyone who visited the 'England's South Coast' stand at Vakantiebeurs 2023 and took part in our competition.

Question 16

Experience West Sussex research survey - January 2023

Accepted Answer

The winner of the Experience West Sussex research survey was Sarah Tracey from London who wins a £50 Marks and Spencer voucher. Thank you to everyone that took part and completed the survey.

Question 17

Experience West Sussex research survey - January 2023

Accepted Answer

The winner of the Experience West Sussex research survey was Karen Gonet from London, who was sent a £50 amazon voucher as a thank you for taking part.  A big thank you goes out to everyone that took part and completed this survey, this information is so valuable to tourism businesses in the area.

Question 18

Sentiment Survey Amazon £50 Voucher Competition Winner - December 2022

Accepted Answer

The winner of the bi annual Sentiment Survey is Frank Howard from Derbyshire, who has been sent a £50 amazon voucher. Thank you to everyone that took part and completed the survey.

Question 19

Leeds Castle Competition Winner

Accepted Answer

The winner of the Christmas at Leeds Castle (https://leeds-castle.com/)family ticket chosen at random was Sean Cannon from Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Thank you to everyone that took part.

Question 20

Waverley Competition Winner

Accepted Answer

The winner of the overnight stay for two at Lythe Hill Hotel,(https://lythehill.co.uk/) plus two tickets to The Sculpture Park (https://www.thesculpturepark.com/)and afternoon tea with prosecco for two at Bush Hotel (https://farnhambush.com/)in Waverley, chosen at random was Ms Helen Thompson, Witney, Oxfordshire

Question 21

Two night break stay in 1066 Country April 2022

Accepted Answer

We are delighted to confirm that Ms L Ustock, Cheltenham, was chosen at random to win a two night break for two in the heart of 1066 Country at the George Inn, Robertsbridge.  The package also included a fantastic afternoon tea experience for two at Fisherwood Farm with the alpacas.

Thank you to Visit 1066 Country,(https://www.visit1066country.com/)   Fisherwood Farm (https://www.fisherwoodfarm.co.uk/) and the George Inn.(https://www.thegeorgerobertsbridge.co.uk/)

Question 22

MEET Beyond London Spin to Win at the PA Show London Excel March 22 - Walking Tour of Oxford

Accepted Answer

We are delighted to confirm that Ms A Beadle, Wiltshire was chosen at random from the 23 people that ended up in the draw to win two tickets to enjoy 'a walking tour of Oxford with access to the Bodleian Libraries Divinity Schools'.  Congratulations!

Thank you Conference Oxford (https://conference-oxford.com//)and Bodleian Libraries (https://conference-oxford.com/venues/bodleian-library)for donating the prize.

Question 23

MEET Beyond London 'Spin to Win' at the PA Show London Excel March 22 - Afternoon Tea Brighton

Accepted Answer

We are delighted to confirm that Ms C Lewis, London was chosen at random from the 15 entries in the 'Spin to Win' prize pot to win Afternoon Tea with a glass of prosecco for 2 at the Old Ship Hotel, Brighton.

Thank you Visit Brighton Bureau (https://www.visitbrighton.com/conferences)and the Old Ship Hotel (https://www.oldshipbrighton.co.uk/)for donating the prize.

Question 24

MEET Beyond London 'Spin to Win' PA Show Excel London March 22 - Overnight Stay at St Hilda's College Oxford

Accepted Answer

The 'Spin to Win' has seen lucky Teresa Cullinane PA, from London win an overnight stay at St Hilda's College in Oxford for 2 people on a bed and breakfast basis with a bottle of prosecco on arrival.  Congratulations!

Thank you to St Hilda's College,(https://conference-oxford.com/venues/st-hildas-college) Conference Oxford (https://conference-oxford.com//)for donating the prize.

Question 25

MEET Beyond London Spin to Win at the PA Show London Excel March 22 - Overnight Stay at Leeds Castle, Kent

Accepted Answer

We are delighted to confirm that Ms A Goulder-Perks from London was chosen at random from the 26 people that ended up in the draw to an overnight for a deluxe overnight stay on B&B basis at the historic Leeds Castle in Kent.  Congratulations!

Thank you Leeds Castle (https://www.leeds-castle.com/)for donating the prize.

Question 26

Tourism South East Sentiment Tracker March 2022

Accepted Answer

As a thank you for completing our visitor sentiment tracker a £50 amazon voucher was available to win.  The winner was selected at random - Mr K Burley, Berkshire

Question 27

What do I get for my membership?

Accepted Answer

Whether you are a destination, a local authority, town council, an attraction, an accommodation provider or a business offering services to the tourism and leisure sector, we have a comprehensive range of benefits.

Question 28

When does the membership year start/finish?

Accepted Answer

The TSE membership year runs from 1st April to 31st March for existing members, new members can now join throughout the year as calendar renewals.

Question 29

Visit South East England 'Cracking Christmas Giveaway' Week 3 on Facebook

Accepted Answer

Kate Ashman, Vale of Glamorgan is the winner of the family ticket at Bletchley Park

Question 30

How is my membership fee calculated?

Accepted Answer

Membership fees are based on the package you choose, take a look at our membership pages for information on our Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum prices.

Question 31

Visit South East England 'Cracking Christmas Giveaway' Week 1 on Facebook

Accepted Answer

Mrs Upton, Bletchingley, Surrey is the winner of four fantastic Mystery Guides (https://www.mysteryguides.co.uk/)for Brighton, Winchester, Portsmouth and Southsea, that turn historic cities into giant outdoor adventures.  Her pub name suggestion was The Spy and Glass!

Question 32

Visit South East England - Solent Hotel Summer Competition August 2021

Accepted Answer

This summer competition offered the chance to win a two night stay in a family suite on a bed and breakfast basis at the beautiful Solent Hotel and Spa in Fareham, Hampshire 
 
Winner was selected at random - Susan Patel from Surrey

Question 33

If I have more than one business can I join as a group?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have a group membership package available or alternatively you an join your businesses individually with packages that suit their need  - please contact the membership team.(javascript:void(0))

Question 34

What happens if I want to join part way through the year?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can join us anytime and we will facilitate a calendar renewal for you.

Question 35

Tourism South East Sentiment Tracker May 2021

Accepted Answer

To help gather an understanding of the current impact of Covid-19 on consumers travel plans, a survey to gauge sentiment was distributed via our newsletter and social media channels.  The winner was chosen at random and the prize of a £50 amazon voucher was sent to the winner on 3rd June 2021.
 
Mrs J Morris - Devon

Question 36

Do any of your courses lead to a qualification?

Accepted Answer

Attendance on Welcome Host Gold can lead to a nationally recognised City & Guilds Level 2 Award.  This option requires learners to take a multiple choice examination question paper at the end of the course.   If successful, participants will achieve the City and Guilds qualification.  Registration and certification fees are additional to course costs.
Please check when booking.

Question 37

We already run customer service training, can we dovetail with Welcome to Excellence courses?"

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer a range of options.  We can map your content against any Welcome to Excellence course reflecting your businesses and learning objectives.
We will work with you to add in specific company policies and standards and any relevant guidelines that may apply so that you and your staff can benefit from being part of a nationally recognised and industry led programme.

Question 38

I would like to deliver Welcome to Excellence courses to my staff.  How do I become a trainer?

Accepted Answer

We can arrange for your own nominated in-house staff to become accredited Welcome to Excellence trainers for any of our courses.  Trainer briefings are delivered by one of our specialist Associate Trainers either on site  or through a modular on line session with a full set of professional materials supplied.  You will then buy participant guides and training resources from us.   This option means you are able to deliver content through shorter modules at a time to suit shift and working patterns. Please contact the Training Team for more information.

Question 39

I want a course or some training that isn't listed.  What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Please do not hesitate to get in touch and we will try to provide whatever you need through our network of experienced trainers around the UK.

Question 40

I am interested in Welcome to Excellence customer service training but I am not based in the South East, can you help?"

Accepted Answer

We have a network of national Welcome to Excellence franchiser partners.   Please contact us and we will put you in touch with your local accredited centre.

Question 41

Are courses only available on scheduled dates?

Accepted Answer

No, we aim to be flexible and can schedule courses to meet group, business or local needs. If you have a number of participants wanting to take a course, we can discuss dates and locations with you over the telephone.

Question 42

Vist Britain - Business Advice Hub

Accepted Answer

Helping your tourism business to grow - with practical tips, legal obligations and local support within its Business Advice Hub(https://www.visitbritain.org/business-advice)

Question 43

Visit Britain's Hands, Face, Space Campaign"

Accepted Answer

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-campaign-to-prevent-spread-of-coronavirus-indoors-this-winter
 
The ‘Hands. Face. Space’ (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-campaign-to-prevent-spread-of-coronavirus-indoors-this-winter)public information campaign urges the public to continue to wash their hands, cover their face and make space to control infection rates and avoid a second peak

Question 44

Hotels & Guest Accommodation

Accepted Answer

19 October 2020 - Update
 • Three more things you need to be aware of if you are a hotel:From 14 September, let customers know that by law they can only visit in groups of up to 6 people (unless they are visiting as a household or support bubble which is larger than 6). Check with customers on arrival who they are with and how many people will be attending. Put up signs to remind customers to only interact with their group.Encourage contactless payments.
 • Whenever possible, use online booking and pre-payment and ask for contactless payments.Manage food and drink service safely. 
 • Minimise customer self-service of food, cutlery and condiments, as well as contact between staff and guests.These are the priority actions to make your business safe during coronavirus. You should also read the full version of the guidance below.

Read more(https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/hotels-and-other-guest-accommodation)
Government guidancef(https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/hotels-and-other-guest-accommodation)or people who work in hotels and guest accommodation, indoor and outdoor attractions, and business events and consumer shows

Question 45

Travel & Overnight Stay Guidelines

Accepted Answer

Travel and overnight stays in Local COVID Alert Level High areas
People can still travel within high alert level areas to hotels and other guest accommodation, but should only do this with other people in their household or support bubble. People can still go on holiday outside of high alert level areas, but must only do so with other people in their household or support bubble.
Courtesty of DCMS 19.10.2020
 
Travel and overnight stays in Local COVID Alert Level Very High areas
Residents of very high alert areas should avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK, except if they need to do so for work, education or caring responsibilities and they must not stay with anyone they do not live with elsewhere in the UK. We are asking people to avoid staying overnight in a very high alert level area where possible, except for those who need to for work, education or caring responsibilities. Residents from a very high alert level area may travel to hotels and other guest accommodation within that area but should only do so with people in their household or support bubble.
Courtesty of DCMS 19.10.2020
 
From 14 September, let customers know that by law they can only visit in groups of up to 6 people (unless they are visiting as a household or support bubble which is larger than 6). Check with customers on arrival who they are with and how many people will be attending. Put up signs to remind customers to only interact with their group
Read more(https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/hotels-and-other-guest-accommodation)

Question 46

Transport Operators

Accepted Answer

Safer working principles and risk assessment f(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-transport-guidance-for-operators)or transport operators and organisations.
 
asdfkajsd;fnsa;dcasd

Question 47

Financial Guidance

Accepted Answer

Financial Support For Businesses
Informaton provided in the link below provides a breakdown of financial business support that organisations can access during the COVID 19 crisis.View information here.(undefined)
 
Extending Furlough Announcement
Here is the Government’s announcement of the extended furlough scheme. There are a number of questions still to be answered on issues such as flexibility and employer contributions but hopefully more detailed guidance will be published soon which will provide some clarity on these issues. One point that seems to be coming through (although not confirmed) is that, from August, the payment rate from Govt will fall to 60% with businesses required to make up the other 20%.   More information can be found here(undefined)
 
Top-up to Local Business Grant Funds Scheme
The Government has established a £617m discretionary fund has been set up to accommodate certain small businesses previously outside the scope of the business grant funds scheme. The funding will be available to a range of businesses including B&B operators that pay council tax instead of business rates which is great news for the tourism industry.
 
To qualify, businesses must be small, under 50 employees, and they must also be able to demonstrate that they have seen a significant drop of income due to Coronavirus restriction measures. Further guidance on this funding will be published soon.
 
You can view the information here.(undefined)
 
VAT Deferrals Update
​​​​​​​
HMRC has updated it’s guidance regarding how different VAT payments can be deferred including payments on account and monthly and quarterly payments. 
 
Sector Support
The Department for Transport guidance for staff in the transport sector much of which seems transferable to the tourism sector.
The Treasury has published guidance for Local Authorities on the Expanded Retail Discount 2020/21: Coronavirus Response, which sets out in more detail what is meant by 'leisure, hospitality and retail' when referring to the business rate holiday and other schemes
 
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has put together a £50million fund to support the heritage sector as an immediate response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
PASC has set up a website to provide support and information for self-catering  businesses regardless of whether they are members.
 
Collated Advice for Charity Sector - advice and support available to the Charity Sector, includes sectors on guidance for workers, guidance on fundraising and funding opportunities and guidance o(undefined)n Volunteers.
 
Calculating Flexible Furlough Payments
How to calculate your claim (undefined)for flexible furlough payments 
 
Government Coronavirus Financial Support for your business(undefined)

Question 48

Meetings & Events

Accepted Answer

Business Meetings in Local COVID Alert Level High and Very High areas
Currently venues can host business meetings for up to 30 people in high and very high alert level areas. Businesses should find out if additional measures apply in their area and if restrictions are in place for Local Alert Level: Very High areas. 
Courtesty of DCMS.
 
Outdoor Events Catering 
 • Where there is a seating in an adjacent area to a stall or outlet that is serving food and drink, and customers will be using it, their orders must be taken and served at the table if the stall or outlet sells alcohol. Where the sale of alcohol is not offered, customers will need to be seated when eating but can order food from the counter.
 • Customers eating and drinking at tables will need to sit in groups of up to 6 people (unless they are visiting as a household or support bubble which is larger than 6). Signs should be put up to remind customers to only interact with their group.
 • Where there is no seating available, the stall or outlet will be providing a take away service. The customer can order their food and drink including alcohol to eat and drink anywhere in the outdoor setting.
 • Customers should be reminded to adhere to safe social distancing when queuing for food and drink by putting up signs or introducing a one way system that customers can follow or employing extra marshals to enforce this.
Customers eating and drinking in the outdoor setting should not gather in groups of more than 6 people

Question 49

Heritage Attractions

Accepted Answer

Guidance for people who work or volunteer in heritage locations.(https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/heritage-locations)

Question 50

Self Catering Busineses

Accepted Answer

PASC h(https://www.pascuk.co.uk/covid-19)as set up a website to provide support and information for self-catering businesses regardless of whether they are members.

Question 51

Restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services"

Question 52

Operational Guidance

Question 53

Tourism South East Recovery Toolkit

Question 54

Stats, Research, Industry Insights and Dashboard Links"

Question 55

Employee Guidance

Question 56

Financial Support

Question 57

Up date as of 27 July 2021 - New Inbound EU and US rules

Question 58

Update as of 20 July 2021 - Recutiment Support

Question 59

Update as of 15 July 2021 - Risk Assesments, Weddings and CJIRS"

Question 60

Update as of 13 July 2021 - Move to Step 4

Question 61

Update as of 12 July 2021 - Step 4 Announcement

Question 62

Update as of 23 June 2021

Question 63

Update as of 15 June - Extention to Step 3

Question 64

Up date as of 11 June - Tourism Recovery Plan