The Advantage Travel Partnership has outlined the need for cautious optimism over the coming weeks and months following the updates this week with regards to the UK’s roadmap to recovery and possible easing of travel restrictions.
Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO at Advantage Travel Partnership said: “At long last we have had some positive news for the industry this week and we welcome the fact that travel businesses are reporting a surge in bookings and enquiries after the PM’s announcement. While we are optimistic at the pent up demand from consumers and the plan to get the UK out of lockdown, we need to be mindful that the dates outlined are not set in stone and there is a need to err on the side of caution for summer departures.
“Clarity is still needed from government on quarantine hotels, quarantine periods, testing and vaccine passports and until further details have been received from the Global Travel Taskforce and we have a better understanding of the protocols that may be in place, it is highly probable that travel for this summer will be restricted in some way.
“Following a year that has shaken the industry to its core, many travel agents are still working really hard to rebook their customers who have bookings with departures up to the 17th May. Things are certainly looking better than they were this time last week but there are still a significant number of challenges to overcome. In the budget next week it is critical for the Chancellor to recognise that travel agents have received virtually no income for over a year now with the majority trading -90%.
“Travel agents have a huge opportunity to offer that balanced, honest perspective which is why we created our Keep Calm & Dream of Travel campaign, to highlight a customer commitment for agents to present to their customers for when the time is right to travel again. Travel agents have access to flexible booking options and with the knowledge and guidance that a local travel agent can offer, there has never been a better time for consumers to book a holiday using an agent – but cautious optimism is needed.”
