Lecturers back MPs’ course axe call Samantha Mayling


Travel and tourism academics have backed a report that warns against “rushing ahead” with reforms to post-16 qualifications. The Parliamentary education


committee’s caution comes as industry figures lobby against plans to defund travel and tourism Level 3 qualifications in England. A petition urging the government


to recognise the importance of tourism, hospitality and events (THE) education has surpassed 1,400 signatures. The Department for Education


(DfE) intends to withdraw funding from Applied General Qualifications, such as BTecs and Level 3 travel and tourism courses, as part of its plans


to streamline post-16 qualifications and place increased focus on A-levels and technical T-levels. The committee urged the DfE to


postpone the withdrawal of funding until there is “robust” evidence that T-levels are “demonstrably more effective” at helping students and meeting industry needs. Dr Peter Robinson, head of the


centre for tourism and hospitality management at Leeds Beckett University, said: “It is good to see the concerns we have raised…are reflected across other sectors. The report is correct in its observations that the policy will lead to fewer skilled workers, exacerbate current skills shortages and fail young people who are seeking courses that are relevant to their career aspirations.


US specialists tip sales rise as Covid entry rules relaxed


Samantha Mayling


Operators and agents expect US sales to rise thanks to the axing of Covid-19 vaccination requirements for non-American arrivals from May 12. Guy Novik, founder of trade-only


specialist USAirtours, saw a “mini spike” in enquiries, which rose 10% after the news broke on Monday. “That spike will continue as


agents share the news with customers. People who’ve been asking for quotes will convert,” he said. “With family-focused destinations such as Florida, Covid rules around children


4 4 MAY 2023


made people cautious. This move will unlock a pipeline of enquiries.” Kelly Cookes, Advantage Travel


Partnership chief commercial officer, said: “We are expecting members to see an upturn in sales as a result. “Despite the restriction, the US


has consistently been a top performer this year, with Florida, New York and California selling particularly well. “The removal of this complexity


is welcome and is another step in building consumer confidence.” Niel Alobaidi, Newmarket


Holidays chief executive, added: “We celebrate simplification of entry rules for any country. The US has


traditionally been a popular wish-list destination for our escorted tour customers and it bounced back strongly post-pandemic. “Reducing entry requirements


will enhance that even further.” Harry Hastings, co-chief


executive and co-founder of Ocean Florida, said: “We’ve witnessed 20% of our cancellations since borders opened attributed to members of the travelling party being unvaccinated. “The continued vaccination


requirement has led to widespread confusion, with 10% of our bookings


The uncertainty that this issue is generating in education and industry is unnecessary and unacceptable


“The sectors most impacted


by these changes are those that also make some of the largest contributions to the UK economy.” Lisa Rowbotham, Level 3 tourism


course leader at Runshaw College and a committee member of the Association for Tourism in Higher Education, said: “The T-levels are not tried and tested and are likely to put young people from low-income backgrounds at a disadvantage.


“They also fail to take into


consideration colleges from rural areas which do not have access to employers as readily as city colleges. “College principals have been


lobbying at a national level on this.” John Garside, lecturer in travel &


tourism and aviation at Birmingham Metropolitan College, added: “The elimination of the courses and the uncertainty that this issue is generating in education and industry is unnecessary and unacceptable.” Claire Steiner, co-founder of


the Future You Foundation, said: “Vocational and practical qualifications that are less academic in their approach suit many young people and introduce them to career opportunities that they might not have had if following a strictly academic route.”


From May 12, Covid-19


vaccination requirements for non-American arrivals will be dropped


being terminated at the final confirmation stage due to a lack of clarity of the entry restrictions.” A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson


said: “It will give a boost to transatlantic customer demand as a busy summer approaches.” Nick Talbot, head of marketing at


American Affair and Canadian Affair, said: “We’re pleased to hear that the US’s Covid vaccination requirements are being lifted and that more people will now be able to experience this


diverse and spectacular country.” i USAirtours: Special Report, page 11


travelweekly.co.uk


PICTURE: Shutterstock/Angyalosi Beata


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