Holiday parks, hotels and guesthouses in the Burnham-On-Sea area could be set to see a boost in trade this year due to Coronavirus.
The chief executive of Visit Somerset, run by Somerset Tourism Association, has said in a BBC interview that there could be a boost for tourism across the county due to the outbreak of the virus.
John Turner says more people will be taking holidays in the UK this year rather than taking the risk of going abroad.
“We are expecting to see a big surge in domestic tourism this year,” he said in a BBC radio interview. “This horrible virus brings us an opportunity. With the Coronavirus and Brexit uncertainty we are likely to see people staying in the UK.”
He added that some visitors are already staying for longer in Somerset before they travel back to their home countries.
A Visit Somerset statement issued on Monday added: “There is no official stance at present as this is a continuing developing issue and we know that perceptions from Businesses and Visitors are changing all the time.”
“We will work with our members, which until we know otherwise, is business as usual. As far as visitors are concerned and as I detailed in the interview with the BBC on Thursday, we will work with the authorities in communicating the right messages at the right time in line with Public Health Policy. Public safety is of key importance – as of yet though we have not had any advice.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) says the fight against the disease is at a “decisive point” but has warned against “unnecessary panic.”
“This is a time for taking action to prevent infection and save lives,” said WHO head Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus on Thursday.
