Bibby’s of Ingleton has collaborated with Lancashire attraction Leighton Hall to complete a day trip ‘dry run’ involving the coach operator’s staff acting as guests. It allowed both parties to test their preparations and safeguards for group visits.
Each business already has in place measures to ensure customer safety. That includes social distancing, signage, cleaning and the provision of hand sanitiser and masks. Bibby’s staff travelled to Leighton Hall by coach and walked through a visit from their customers’ perspective.
Says Leighton Hall Estate Manager Lucy Arthurs: “Destinations and coach operators working together is the only way to ensure that we have a future to build on. Our customers need to get out and about, reconnect and enjoy life again. That is vital to people’s physical and mental health.
“We took every step our visitors would. We are now confident that guests can relax and enjoy their coach journey followed by our house tour, gardens and tearoom in complete safety and comfort. This was a hugely important step for us and for Bibby’s to regain our confidence.”
Both Bibby’s and Leighton hall have been awarded the We’re Good to Go tourism industry standard and consumer mark. It indicates that they each observe all relevant government guidance.
Bibby’s Director Chris Bibby earlier outlined the operator’s desire to work with venues on a trial basis to allow both parties to understand how day trip group visits can be handled. By grasping the issues that face attractions, he believes that coach companies can do their part in helping more points of interest to open their doors to groups.
