Tourists coming to Cornwall this summer will have to plan well in advance to ensure they can still have a great holiday.

With the hospitality industry preparing in the hope that the Government will allow businesses to reopen from July 4, a new campaign is being planned for visitors this summer.

Tourism body Visit Cornwall said it would be telling holidaymakers to not come unprepared.

Visit Cornwall chief Malcolm Bell said: “Businesses have been working since lockdown started at how to manage once they reopen.

“We are still not quite sure when they will be able to open but we are making sure they are ready.

“The most important thing is for businesses to operate safely.”

Mr Bell warned that many businesses would be operating at reduced capacity and so it was important that visitors plan their trips in advance.

He said: “There is a lot of nervousness, excitement and lots of frustration about what we need to do and what will be allowed and what won’t be allowed on July 4.”

Mr Bell added that anyone looking to come to Cornwall would have to book accommodation in advance and asked that nobody decide to just come and find somewhere when they arrive.

He also said that restaurants and attractions will also have to be booked in advance, warning visitors that it would be very different to normal.

Mr Bell said: “It (the reopening) will be managed so that people have a great holiday and also minimise the risk to themselves and local residents.”

He said visitors would be reminded about the importance of social distancing and following all guidelines including handwashing and hygiene.

Visit Cornwall is also set to push Cornwall as a destination for the autumn and winter in the hope that businesses will be able to get more trade in what is usually a quieter time.

Cornwall Council leader Julian German said: “Throughout the pandemic Cornwall Council has been clear about our priority to keep our residents safe and support our businesses.

“We recognise the importance of our visitor economy. We have already been recognised as the hardest hit of any region in the economic impact.

“A second spike would not only put lives at risk but could lead to another lockdown which would impact our businesses.

“We are encouraging a careful and measured approach to reopening our visitor economy.”

Cllr German said the council was asking the Government for further support for tourism businesses with more grant funding and extending furlough for staff.

He said that while Cornwall Council has no say on whether tourism businesses will open on July 4 it wanted to make sure that if they can open they will be ready to open safely to protect staff, visitors and local residents.