ABTA is calling on the government to come up with an urgent plan to protect more than 220,000 jobs across the travel industry in the UK.
The plea comes after the government revoked a further six quarantine-free travel corridors on Thursday night (13 August) including France, Malta and the Netherlands, Monaco, Turks & Caicos, and Aruba.
“The government’s measures to restrict travel will result in livelihoods being lost unless it can step in with tailored support for the travel industry,” said ABTA.
“The announcements relating to Spain, and now France, impact the two biggest destinations for British holidaymakers at the height of the summer season, affecting an industry that has had its trade significantly restricted since the start of this crisis.
“At this time of recession, a plan is urgently needed to protect the 221,000 jobs the travel industry sustains.”
ABTA also issued new advice to the trade following the latest travel corridor decision, and change in FCO advice.
“The FCO has updated the travel advice to advise ’against all but essential travel’ to France, the Netherlands, Malta, Monaco, Turks & Caicos, and Aruba.
“The government has also removed France, the Netherlands, Malta, Monaco, Turks & Caicos and Aruba from the travel corridor list for England, which means that people arriving in England from these countries from 4am on Saturday 15 August will be required to self-isolate for two weeks.
“Those currently travelling in these countries do not need to leave at this time, but they are advised to follow the advice of the local public health authority.
“Customers in destination should contact their travel provider if they have any questions about their return journey and those due to travel imminently should contact their travel provider to discuss their options.”
