AITO claims Brexit behind France travel ban
Expressing ‘massive disappointment’ at the France travel ban from the UK, AITO called for an urgent rescue package for a ‘badly-beaten-up industry.’
The ban has created chaos for operators and holidaymakers looking forward to skiing this Christmas, as well as other winter breaks.
"We seem to be the sector that no-one cares about."
"The very last-minute cancellation of the festive season for British holidaymakers wishing to visit our near neighbour, France, is an extremely unwelcome pre-Christmas gift," said AITO Chairman Chris Rowles.
"It is a simply devastating situation for the UK’s travel industry, destroying as it does both long-planned Christmas holidays and the many ski businesses which operate in French ski resorts.
"Pent-up demand from UK-based skiers unable to travel last winter has meant that bookings were at higher-than-normal levels this Christmas/New Year."
"Now operators are having to contact thousands of would-be skiers and other UK holidaymakers to explain that travel for holiday purposes, regardless of vaccination status, is not considered an ‘essential reason’ by the French Government.
"French and EU nationals, and residents in France, are exempt from this rule. Unfortunately, this seems very much like a French ‘tit for tat’ Brexit-related rebuffal", Rowles claimed.
"The likely impact on the main booking period in January will be devastating for all operators across the board; they all desperately need business in 2022 after suffering nearly two years of a serious booking drought."
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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