Ongoing issues sour greater freedoms A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Government announcements that relieve rather than disappoint have been few and far between in the past 18 months. So many in the trade were pleasantly surprised when it was confirmed that the easing of restrictions for fully-vaccinated travellers in England would be concurrent with a wider domestic reopening in a move thankfully mirrored by the Scottish government (pages 4 and 5). There was other positive news for the outbound sector with steps
towards greater alignment of certification and hopes for smoother border processes on return (page 4). But that sense of positivity is tempered by an understanding that progress towards reopening travel to key destinations is likely to be slow and difficult, and by the reality that many countries are tightening their borders just as the UK’s open up.
The mood of caution is also evident in the wider population, with unease over the speed with which domestic restrictions are being lifted compounded by the prime minister’s admission that progress may not be as irreversible as previously touted. As agents told us this week, this uncertainty offers an opportunity for the trade to demonstrate
its expertise – with many reporting requests for assistance from direct bookers who now need the help of a professional. But they were also clear that however much business comes in, it is not going to be enough to save many who remain on the brink (page 6). The easing of amber restrictions from Monday will be a rare moment of positivity. But the fact remains that the case for sector-specific support remains as strong as ever.
Lucy Huxley, editor-in-chief, Travel Weekly Group CONTENTS NEWS
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15 JULY 2021 3
WHAT LUCY DID THIS WEEK
OChatted to agents Andy Tomlinson from Sutton Travel, Richard Slater from Henbury Travel and The Travel Snob, David Walker, for our latest webcast.
OBegan chairing the judging for this year’s Agent Achievement Awards – one category done and a great winner found!
OCelebrated my birthday at a Pub in the Park festival, where The Lightning Seeds played Three Lions ahead of the Euro 2020 final.
Green list
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