Trade ‘must adapt to ageing population’ Ian Taylor
The travel industry in the UK and all mature markets must adjust to the “dramatic impact” of a rapidly ageing population and increasing taxation, the head of European travel association Etoa warned this week. Etoa chief executive Tom
Jenkins told the association’s Global European Marketplace in London on Monday: “We’re selling to an increasingly shrinking proportion of the population in every market. What is happening in the demographics of origin markets will have a dramatic impact.” Jenkins noted birth rates in
high-income countries have declined
continuously since 1951 and fallen below the rate to replace existing populations, meaning that by 2100 “there will be fewer people in Europe and East Asia than in 1960”. He said: “It’s a massive challenge
for us and we’ll have to adapt in a reasonably short time.” Jenkins acknowledged those aged
over 65 “have money and time and their numbers are growing”, but he said: “About 40% have some form of disability. So, that is a factor in how they’re accommodated.” He suggested “the crucial
question” will be “is the price right?”, arguing: “One of the great problems in Europe is the level of indirect tax on tourism. The Netherlands just raised VAT on accommodation from
Jamaican resorts reveal reopening plans after Melissa
Ella Sagar
Hotel groups with properties in Jamaica have outlined reopening plans after they were forced to close by Hurricane Melissa, which wreaked havoc across the island. The Category 5 hurricane was one of the strongest to make landfall in the island’s history and also caused damage in Haiti, Cuba, the Bahamas and Dominican Republic, with a death toll of 67 as Travel Weekly went to press on Tuesday. As the major recovery operation
progressed, Sandals and Beaches Resorts outlined plans to reopen five of its eight properties in Jamaica –
4 6 NOVEMBER 2025
Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Ochi, Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril – from December 6. However, Sandals Montego Bay,
Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals South Coast are not expected to reopen until May 30, 2026, as they require more extensive repair work. Karl Thompson, UK managing
director of Unique Caribbean Holidays, the in-house tour operator for Sandals and Beaches Resorts, said the company was able to “successfully bring all of our guests safely back to the UK” as airports reopened and commercial flights resumed. But Thompson said “significant
About 40% [of
over-65s] have some form of disability, so that is a factor in how they’re accommodated
5% to 21%, and Amsterdam has added 12.5% [in city tax] on top of that. Edinburgh is adding a city tax of 5% on top of 20% VAT.” Jenkins said: “The price has been
right in the US for the last 60 years and the value of inbound arrivals has grown, only declining when there has been a surge in the value of the dollar. “The price of Japan has dropped dramatically in the last few years,
and inbound tourism has grown.” But he warned the sector
in Europe faces a “Buckaroo moment” in which it is pushed past its limits, saying: “The industry just can’t take any more.” He said: “President Trump
was criticised for his ‘Liberation Day’ [announcement of trade tariffs] designed to stop money flowing out of the economy. But imposing taxes on money flowing into the country is nuts. “The difficulty is that these
city taxes are driven locally [in the UK] by cash-strapped councils. The councils have no money, so they have to do it. But it’s incredibly dangerous. It makes Trump’s tariffs look enlightened.”
Flooding in St Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica, on October 29
aid needs remain” as he expressed his confidence that the UK trade would continue to support the destination. “I know the trade will get behind
vital relief initiatives and help the island through aid and business,” he added. “We need agents to support the destination and to keep booking holidays to Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts properties.” Royalton Hotels & Resorts,
which has five properties in Jamaica, said it was not accepting guests until December 15 to “ensure a safe and efficient restoration process”. Tui said the company did not
yet have a reopening date for its properties as its teams were still
“assessing the extent of the damage”. Jamaica tourism minister
Edmund Bartlett last week said he wanted the island’s tourism industry to be “fully back in operation” by mid-December as he unveiled a recovery taskforce and tourism resilience committee, explaining: “Recovery cannot be left to chance.” The industry has rallied to
provide aid and raise significant funds to help accelerate the island’s recovery. Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and the Walt Disney Company have contributed more than £3 million between them, with the UK government pledging £7.5 million.
travelweekly.co.uk
PICTURE: Andrew Holness/Facebook
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