Inbound tourism set for ‘thoroughly depressing’ Christmas
Inbound tourism businesses are reeling with 86% confirming or expecting Omicron-related near-term cancellations.
The damaging impact of the Omicron variant has been laid bare in a new survey by travel trade association UKinbound.
Over 100 member businesses, including inbound tour operators, accommodation providers and attractions from across the country, provided feedback regarding the impact of the new UK border restrictions.
It found 86% confirming they have received cancellations or are expecting to receive cancellations in the run up to Christmas.
Of these cancellations, 75% were for December.
Following the restrictions, one business reported a huge spike in calls from people being made redundant since the announcement, and that they fear more to come.
Another business was on the cusp of receiving its first international visitors in 20 months, however these trips have now been cancelled.
A member survey undertaken by the association in November, pre-Omicron, showed that 89% of businesses were already expecting November/December international arrivals/visitor numbers would be lower than 2019.
Joss Croft, CEO, UKinbound said "Although thoroughly depressing, these results are not surprising. International consumer confidence to travel to the UK has taken another huge hit, and the UK’s kneejerk decisions and lack of support for businesses means the recovery of this industry has already been derailed."
"Businesses need emergency support. The summer season was all but lost. They have depleted their cash reserves and maxed out loans".
TravelMole Editorial Team
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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