EC resolute on ending EES flexibility Ian Taylor
EU border authorities’ ability to suspend Entry/Exit System (EES) registration for non-EU arrivals ended on Sunday despite industry pleas for its retention. It did so as Iata reported the
number of passengers missing connecting flights at EU airports this summer doubled on last year. Iata senior vice-president for
external affairs Thomas Reynaert warned: “We’re going to have a huge problem if we can’t switch the system off. Even with flexibility, we’ve seen operational difficulties, technical failures and instability across multiple airports.” He acknowledged: “The system is working at some airports, and has
improved at some, [but] at others it has got worse. The numbers say there has been no improvement.” Reynaert blamed member states
for the problems, insisting: “We need adequate staffing, full system reliability, self-service gates ready and a push on pre-registration.” He argued: “The possibility of
suspension should remain until the end of the winter season.” The EC continues to claim
the system “has broadly worked well” despite nine governments – including those of Germany, France and Italy – urging it to roll back EES implementation in July. An EC spokesperson said: “We’re
in close contact with member states where adjustments are needed…[and have] offered additional help with a
Page & Moy revived as premium range for Travelsphere
Andrew McQuarrie
G Touring has relaunched Page & Moy as part of the group’s Travelsphere brand, realising a long-held ambition. The project was previously
halted in 2019 when G Adventures founder Bruce Poon Tip cited market challenges in the aftermath of Brexit. Six Page & Moy tours have now
been put on sale, with departures from autumn 2027, in a bid to capture demand for “premium” trips. G Touring managing director
Adam Kemp said: “People are willing to spend more, so it’s the
4 10 SEPTEMBER 2026
right time to bring back a premium offering such as Page & Moy.” Founded in 1962, Page & Moy
grew to become a leading name in the escorted touring sector. It was acquired by Travelsphere in 2004 before being retired in 2013. G Adventures, which acquired
Travelsphere in 2017, first announced its intention to revive Page & Moy in 2018, following research on the strength of the brand. This week, Poon Tip told Travel
Weekly: “We did market research and it turned out Page & Moy was the second-most well-known travel brand in the UK. That’s why
we value it so much. And most people didn’t even realise that Page & Moy didn’t exist anymore.” Tours in Travelsphere’s ‘Page &
Moy collection’ will offer adult-only itineraries for groups of up to 24, with a focus on “culture, authenticity, comfort and personal enrichment”. All accommodation will be at
least four-star and each property will be used for at least two nights. “There’s a real focus on
where people stay,” said Kemp, describing accommodation as a “critical part” of the itineraries. “None of our Page & Moy tours will ever be one-night stays.”
We’ve seen
operational difficulties, technical failures and instability across multiple airports
view to ensuring challenges are fully addressed by the end of the year.” There are reports the Commission
has privately signalled it will accept states continuing to suspend the system until the year end. Business Travel Association
chief executive Clive Wratten said: “Enforcing EES without allowing authorities to suspend checks is a mistake while technical issues remain.” Ryanair urged the EU to
extend the option to suspend
EES until “at least” next April. The EC’s intention to see EES
fully implemented by the end of the year suggests its launch of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias), which will cost €20, may now be pushed into the second half of next year. There is no official launch date at present. Software problems continue
to prevent full EES deployment at the French border for cross-Channel travellers. Full EES registration before
reaching EU borders remains impossible despite the availability of an EES app in some states. An Iata spokesperson acknowledged: “Biometric capture and verification need to be completed in person [at the border].”
Bruce Poon Tip He said all trips would feature
“some form of community tourism” and would incorporate elements of “slow travel”, balancing excursion days with time at leisure. “Our customers are looking for
a mix of leisure time and included experiences, so with Page & Moy all the experiences are included. But we’re giving people a lot more time to see a destination through their own lens and how they want to see it,” he added. The initial destinations will include Dubrovnik, southern Italy, Vancouver Island, South Africa and locations along the Mekong.
travelweekly.co.uk
PICTURE: Soledad Rosales
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