Published on Friday, October 30, 2020

ABTA tells Cyprus-bound customers to swap destination or postpone holiday

ABTA has expressed disappointment at the government's decision to remove Cyprus from the travel corridor, and has told customers due to visit imminently to look at other options.


An ABTA spokesperson said: "If you are due to travel to Cyprus imminently, we strongly recommend you speak to your travel company to understand your options, which may include seeing whether you can change your booking to another destination, like one of the Canary Islands, or postpone your booking for a later date."


Earlier, ABTA had warned: "The industry's optimism from last week's good news has been short-lived following the removal of Cyprus from the travel corridor list.

"Last minute changes like this further erode consumer confidence in overseas travel and serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to introduce testing to cut quarantine.


Rory Boland, Which? Travel Editor, said many families would be affected by the government's announcement.


"With yet more countries removed from the travel corridor list, the government's approach and the lack of clarity around how decisions are made continues to cost holidaymakers dearly. While many families would have been scheduled to fly home from Cyprus this Sunday as the half-term draws to a close, they will now be forced to pay extortionate airfares as they scramble for flights that arrive before the 4am deadline. 


"The travel industry has endured a turbulent year and trust in the sector is at rock bottom. It is in desperate need of reform and support from the government if it is to survive the next few months."


By Lisa James, Deputy Editor (UK)

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