Travel sector ‘being left to wither and die’
Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s announcement of an additional £1bn to the hospitality and leisure sectors, has left the travel sector underwhelmed and angry-again.
The chancellor acknowledged it is ‘very difficult, especially for those in the hospitality industry’ and could get worse with possible further restrictions in England over the holidays.
Hospitality UK said many businesses have lost up to 60% of their December takings, which is often their most lucrative month.
Despite access to £6,000 cash grants, travel businesses have been ‘left in the cold ‘again.
Joss Croft, CEO, UKinbound said "The Chancellor’s budget will undoubtedly help domestic tourism businesses that are facing unprecedented challenges due to the Omicron restrictions which is obviously good news. However, it is astounding that hospitality businesses, which can trade, will receive sector specific support, but the UK’s tourism supply chain, are being left to wither and die."
"The sector has had no targeted support, which will leave many businesses involved in the UK’s fifth largest export sector, inbound tourism, left wondering just how little the government cares or understands."
The Treasury estimates around 200,000 UK businesses will be eligible for the business grants which are to be dispersed by local authorities.
"Travel agents, tour operators and travel management companies will rightly be asking why they haven’t been given the same treatment as other businesses that are suffering at this time, "said Luke Petherbridge, Public Affairs Director at ABTA.
"Businesses are facing another round of heart-breaking and demoralising cancellations, with no indication that the government is listening to the challenges they are facing."
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.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent