Coronavirus in Cheltenham: How you can help support local businesses

These are very unsettling times; the coronavirus has created an unprecedented crisis for society in general and in particular the hospitality and tourism industry. The situation is changing by the day with new information coming at us all at an alarming rate including the announcement this evening that all bars, restaurants and leisure facilities must close with immediate effect.  

In Cheltenham, we're lucky to have so many beautiful parks and gardens to take advantage of on foot or on bike and we are only a short distance from many hills, the Cotswolds Way and the Forest of Dean.  If you are local and not self-isolating you may wish to enjoy some fresh air and our stunning scenery whilst maintaining a two metre safe distance from others of course.

As well as taking advantage of nature during these months of uncertainty there are many ways you can support Cheltenham local businesses online…

**Easy ways to help support local businesses**

1. Order a takeaway

Many restaurants, bars, coffee shops, deli’s and even beer shops have adapted to the changing needs of customers by offering a takeaway and/or delivery service. Enjoy delicious treats from your favourite local eateries whilst in the comfort of your own home and feel good knowing you are supporting the industry and keeping staff in jobs.  

2. Don't cancel, modify

We urge you where possible to support local businesses by modifying / postponing your bookings rather than cancelling.  Our Regency town is a stunning destination to visit year-round. If you have a hotel stay booked please do keep in mind that there is, (in normal times), always something going in Cheltenham. We are after all The Festival Town, with 45+ big events annually, many of them world-renowned.

Rather than cancelling your holiday booking please consider changing to a different date when these unsettled times are over.

Many of our events are run by charities.  If you can afford to, please consider donating the cost of your ticket (Cheltenham Jazz Festival being just one example) so that the organisers can continue to host incredible festivals for future generations to enjoy.

3. Buy gift cards online

Lastly, please consider purchasing gift cards at our local restaurants/ shops/ hotels/ spas etc.  They make fabulous gifts and will give you or your loved ones something to look forward to after these unsettled times are over.

We recommend you either buy gift cards direct through individual businesses or to support town centre businesses please consider the Cheltenham Gift Card run via Cheltenham BID. They make fabulous birthday presents for family/friends of any age as they can be spent at more than 100 businesses in the town centre including shops, restaurants, bars, cafes and clubs. They can be delivered straight to their door and (due to the outbreak) all cards bought from now until the end of June 2020 will receive a 6 month expiry extension.

By treating a loved one to a Cheltenham gift card, you are not only ensuring that they will have a greater choice of how to spend their present than ever before, but also that the money stays in Cheltenham. For full details click here - Cheltenham Gift Card by Cheltenham BID. 

Please note we are using the hashtags #SupportLocal  and #DontCancelModify on our social channels if you wish to help us spread the word.

Many thanks in advance for your support of our local businesses.

Best wishes and stay safe,

The Visit Cheltenham Team