NEWS


France has imposed a ban on over-65s without proof of a booster going to restaurants


Changes to Covid rules abroad put greater demands on agents


Juliet Dennis


New and varying Covid restrictions are making holidays increasingly complex for families with older children this winter with the trade spending substantially longer on bookings. Tighter restrictions are


being enforced across Europe and there is a lack of clarity over rules in parts of the US. New clampdowns are of


to ensure clients are up to date. A spokeswoman noted Covid


STORY TOP


particular concern to families with teenage children when they arrive in resort. In most of Europe, teenagers are double-vaccinated as standard. In the UK, however, those aged


12-17 have been offered one jab, although the government confirmed this week that 16 and 17-year-olds will now be offered a second. Abta urged members to direct


clients to Foreign Office travel advice and use its #ReadySteadyTravel hub


travelweekly.co.uk


entry requirements and local rules “may change between booking and departure date” and told companies to advise customers to sign up to email alerts for their destinations. Qatar this week placed the UK on its ‘red list’, although that does not affect transit passengers; and a lockdown for the unvaccinated in Austria has led to fears UK


tourists under 18 will be barred


from hotels, restaurants and ski lifts. Meanwhile, the Netherlands


introduced a partial lockdown and France banned over-65s going to museums and restaurants without proof of a Covid booster jab. Germany and Norway are


discussing tighter restrictions. Ski operator Inghams is switching


clients impacted by the Austrian lockdown to later dates or different destinations.


Agency and operator Ski


Solutions has also offered alternatives as it awaits guidance from Austrian authorities. Managing director Craig Burton said: “We always knew this winter wouldn’t be straightforward. We have got a challenge, especially in Austria, for 12-15-year-olds caught in this grey area.” Similarly, USAirtours chief


executive Guy Novik said a lack of clarity on whether UK teenagers would be allowed into restaurants and theatres in New York was a concern and reported “rising numbers of enquiries from agents reflected increasing questions from clients”. The operator is developing


a microsite on in-destination regulations. Novik said: “We will do our best to stay on top of it but it’s not practical for agents or operators to be constantly looking at forward bookings and rechecking information.” Agents said the confusion


was making the booking process


lengthier and more complicated but encouraging more clients to seek their advice. Paul Hardwick, head of commercial at Fred Olsen Travel, said bookings were taking double the time but welcomed the “numerous new customers” who “now prefer to book with an agent”. Miles Morgan Travel chairman


Miles Morgan agreed. He stressed there had been no “marked decline” in bookings, adding: “People are getting more confident about travel.” Advantage Travel Partnership


leisure director Kelly Cookes said: “It doesn’t seem to be impacting sales greatly, but does put an enormous amount of pressure on agents.” Spear Travels chairman Peter


Cookson said some staff “don’t relax until clients text to say they’re on the aircraft”. Aito head of commercial Bharat Gadhoke praised agents’ efforts but stressed “clients need to be aware they too have a responsibility” for monitoring updates.


18 NOVEMBER 2021 5


PICTURE: Shutterstock/Stefano Ember


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41