NEWS


Agents cautious on summer bookings


Juliet Dennis


Agents are taking a cautious approach to selling holidays this summer, with some refusing new bookings until there is more clarity on travel corridors and in-resort operations. The trade reported a rise in


enquiries for July and August holidays following the govern- ment’s confirmation of a relaxa- tion of quarantine from July 6. The Advantage Travel


awaits ‘Covid list’


The traffic-light scheme is a huge step forward but the list of countries is what everyone wants


from ‘green’ or ‘amber’ destinations exempt from requirements to self-isolate on arrival in the UK. The aviation source said: “The


traffic light system is bang on the money. It will open a lot more markets. Amber gives a buffer against going from green to red.” The airline source agreed: “Amber gives flexibility.” However, both noted remarks


by home secretary Priti Patel – who said “these measures will take time because some of this will be down to negotiation” – as “a worry”. The airline source warned: “We’ll


see situations where the 14-day quarantine is removed at this end, but


travelweekly.co.uk


not at the other. People will think it’s bilateral, when it’s just the situation at the UK border. But that is not how the UK punter will read it.” Greece’s extension of quarantine


restrictions on UK arrivals to July 15 illustrated the potential problems. However, the leisure source


noted “an upside to every destination having its own view and policies, in the value of a travel professional giving advice”. The airline source agreed, saying: “It’s going to cause real confusion, but the travel trade can add real value here.” The lifting of restrictions will


apply not just to air but to rail and sea travel. Returning passengers will still be required to supply contact information, and the government warned: “We won’t hesitate to put on the brakes if risks re-emerge.” It also insisted: “We’ll continue to keep [quarantine] measures in place.” This will mean for most of the world, including the US.


Partnership is compiling a Q&A checklist for members including details on insurance and what to do if clients contract Covid-19 in resort. Leisure director Kelly Cookes said: “There is certainly some concern from agents about selling holidays for this summer.” Paul Waters, director of


24-branch Premier Travel, said: “New sales are important but not at the risk of clients not feeling comfortable about travelling to their destination.” Helen Dooley, partner at More


Travel, has a client due to depart by train on Saturday to a villa in the south of France – and is providing clients with thermometers, hand sanitisers and masks. “I’m nervous about the


logistics,” she said. “We’re assuming quarantine will be lifted by my client’s return but I’ve made it clear it may not be. “I’ll only work with reliable


operators which provide the most up-to-date information.” Other agents are not yet


comfortable booking July and August breaks. Deben Travel owner Lee


Kelly Cookes


Hunt said there were too many unanswered questions about how kids’ clubs and water parks would operate and what would happen in the event of a lockdown in resort. “I need to be comfortable that


what I book is what they get when they go away,” he said. “We have a reputation to uphold.” Daniel Salmon, founder of


Never a Wasted Journey, said he had already turned down ”big bookings” for travel before September. “I want to make sure clients have the most enjoyable time away and are safe,” he said. “At the moment, I can’t guarantee that.” Haslemere Travel owner


Gemma Antrobus is putting together a “need to know” checklist for clients and called on hotels to put clear information on their Covid-secure measures online. Antrobus, who is specifically


asking customers if they have Covid insurance, said: “I’ve had calls from people wanting to go to Greece imminently and said ‘no’ because the FCO advice has not changed.” RB Collection joint managing


director Oliver Broad said: “We are here to provide clients with as much information as we can, but


they must feel confident.” i Antrobus: Comment, page 14


2 JULY 2020


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PICTURE: Shutterstock


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