Page 84 - claims information pack ebook_e

Guidelines for presenting claims in the tourism sector

Factors considered during assessment Questions to ask yourself before submitting a claim

Is the business in the area which was directly contaminated by the oil?

The area and extent of contamination will vary ● Is the business you run a restaurant,
from incident to incident, depending on a wide accommodation or other tourism business?
range of factors. Claims are not accepted solely ● Is the business located in an area that is known
on the grounds that a pollution incident occurred. to have been directly affected by the spill?
However, if a business is located on or close to ● Does your business cater for visitors normally
an affected coast, and has suffered loss caused
by contamination, then it may be admissible for attracted to that area for beach or other
activities that were themselves directly affected
compensation.
by the contamination?
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How much does the business depend on the area, or resources, that were contaminated?

Hotels and restaurants often cater for several ● Did the contamination result in the total closure
different markets. They may have some guests of your business for a period of time?
who visit to enjoy the natural resources in the ● Was only an element of your business, such as
vicinity. However they may have others who use beach tourism, affected by the contamination?
the facilities for entirely different reasons.

Are alternative trading opportunities easily available that will help to offset any losses caused by the
contamination?

It is possible that the spill itself will create other ● Have you tried to mitigate your losses?
revenue opportunities resulting from demand ● Did you incur any additional marketing expenses
created by journalists, clean up contractors etc. in order to attract business from other sectors
It might be possible to attract business from other or extra expenses in order to acquire alternative
sectors such as additional room demand from uncontaminated stock for sale?
conference organisers or other commercial activity.
A seafood restaurant may find that alternative
sources of seafood are available for sale.

Does the business form an important part of the economy of the area affected by oil?

Tourism businesses belong to the service economy ● Does your business employ people living in
and in many cases generate business both directly the area?
and indirectly by purchasing goods such as fish, ● Does it source products from other businesses
meat and vegetables and attract visitors who that are located in the area?
subsequently buy from other local businesses as
a result. If the business demonstrates its ability ● Does your business generate the majority of its
profits from activities undertaken in the local
to attract and serve tourists, then it is likely to be
considered an important part of the local economy. area?