Nine in ten British summer holidays were ruined by the coronavirus pandemic

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NINE in ten British summer holidays were ruined by the pandemic, according to new stats.

The travel association ABTA said that 91 per cent of holidays in July and August were either cancelled or had to be changed after top travel destinations France and Spain were axed from the UK’s safe nation list.

Nine in ten holidays in July and August were either cancelled or had to be changed due to the pandemic

The unpredictable policy meant that 164,000 people have lost their jobs in the travel sector and over a third (36 per cent) of travel businesses have reopened since March.

ABTA say ministers have “overlooked” the industry which can help boost the nation’s economic recovery.

They say that they are down 93 per cent down on bookings compared to this time last year and are calling for more support.

The group highlights that other sectors, like hospitality, culture and the arts, have received specific support from the Government, but travel businesses have been left wanting.

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA said: “The travel industry has had no meaningful chance to recover – bookings have largely vanished, cancellations are common as destinations move on and off the travel corridor list and the Government is yet to deliver a testing framework for industry and customers.

“The results are stark for businesses – job losses mounting at an alarming rate and viable, longstanding businesses closing their doors for good.

“It is short-sighted of the Government to overlook the industry as travel is fundamental to the UK’s economic recovery.

“Without action the Government risks jeopardising the speed to which the UK’s economy can come back from the pandemic.”

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Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.hellofaread.com/politics/hundreds-of-university-staff-that-locked-up-students-during-coronavirus-crisis-still-bagging-100k-pay-cheques/