Five hotels in Kent feature in a list of the most Covid-safe stays in the UK.

The newly-launched Safe to Trade Scheme helps holidaymakers identify which hotels, bars, restaurants and cinemas are going the extra mile to ensure the safety of both their staff and guests.

The list was released after Visit Britain announced the number of August bank holiday overnight stays at UK hotels are down from 8.6 million last year to 4.8 million this year.

It has been launched by hospitality safety experts and is a safety standard for businesses which are not only compliant with, but also implementing measures that "go above and beyond" government guidelines.

Ashford International Hotel, DoubleTree Dartford Bridge, Hotel du Vin in Tunbridge Wells, Brandshatch Place Hotel and Spa, and Mercure Dartford Brands Hatch Hotel all feature on the list.

Each of the 175 establishments now feature on a national register, which holidaymakers can consult to find a safe to trade venue.

Mark Flanagan who chairs the Safe to Trade scheme governance board, said: "We are delighted to announce the first 175 UK hotels to meet our stringent standards and be deemed as Safe to Trade.

"For those customers looking to make the most of what’s left of the summer with a UK staycation but who want to do so as safely as possible, the Safe to Trade scheme provides peace of mind."

To find out more about the Safe to Trade scheme, click here .

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