LONDON — England’s business events sector has been given the green light to reopen starting Oct. 1.

According to MeetEngland, the confirmed reopening date applies to English destinations, venues and business event suppliers.

“The confirmed timeline for reopening conferences and business events is great news for England’s valuable events industry and the thousands of jobs that depend on it. Giving certainty to businesses means they can plan with confidence,” said Patricia Yates, Director of VisitEngland/VisitBritain. “MeetEngland, alongside our suppliers, has been working very hard to ensure the sector can get back on its feet, ready to welcome back visitors safely and to showcase the outstanding destinations, venues and incentive experiences that make England a leading destination for business events.”

Gavin Landry, VisitBritain EVP Americas also noted the close relationship shared between the United Kingdom and Canada: “Canada is an important visitor source market for the U.K., and we are working hard to ensure that when it is time to travel once again, our industry is ready to welcome Canadian visitors back.”

MeetEngland is encouraging businesses to register for the U.K.-wide ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry standard and consumer mark, which provides a “ring of confidence” for business event planners. With the mark, businesses can demonstrate that they are adhering to government and public health guidance, and have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment. Almost 30,000 businesses across the U.K. have already signed up.

Tourism accounts for £127 billion annually to the U.K. economy, employs 3.1 million people and supports 200,000 small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country. The events industry specifically contributes more than £70 billion annually to the U.K. economy, according to the Business Visits and Events Partnership (BVEP), with business events worth £31 billion. More than 95.3 million delegates attend conferences and meetings in the U.K. each year.