Abta News

Travel industry sees spike in demand following UK roadmap
The travel industry has broadly welcomed a roadmap for the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions in the UK, with some companies already reporting a surge in bookings.

Save Future Travel Coalition pins hopes on reopening roadmap
The Save Future Travel Coalition has reiterated its hopes for a speech from Boris Johnson. The prime minister is expected to provide details on how the country is to reopen following Covid-19 shutdown.

Breaking Travel News investigates: Industry calls for roadmap out of lockdown
At the start of what would usually be one of the biggest weeks for winter holidays, the Save Future Travel Coalition has said the prime minister needs to use the upcoming lockdown update to provide a route forward for the travel industry

ABTA calls on government to plot route out of travel shutdown
ABTA chief executive, Mark Tanzer, said: “We are asking the government to use the global travel taskforce structure to convene specific working groups to look at these very issues.”

ABTA confirms agents are eligible for new government grants
The government has published amended regulations that explicitly reference retail travel agents as businesses that are required to legally close in tier four areas within England.

Travel sector calls for further support as new lockdown begins
The travel sector has called for further financial support in the wake of new lockdown restrictions across the UK, but there are signs of optimism ahead of the key summer season.

ABTA places members at heart of new Travel with Confidence campaign
ABTA members are at the heart of the second phase of the national advertising campaign from the body, which launches across social media channels from today.

ABTA calls for further support as ONS reveals damage to travel trade
Travel agents and tour operators have been worst hit by the Covid-19 pandemic when compared to any other services sector, according to the ONS figures published today.

Industry calls for overhaul of FCDO travel advice
UK airlines, agents and operators have called on the government to revise its approach to foreign travel advice, arguing the current system risks preventing the industry getting back on its feet.

ABTA offers Brexit guidance on Tour Operator Margin Scheme
HMRC has confirmed that once the Brexit transition period ceases, the VAT charged on holidays through the Tour Operator Margin Scheme on travel outside of the UK will be zero rated.

ABTA launches chargeback helpline to members
ABTA has launched two new member advice helplines. They will provide advice on how best to dispute a chargeback, or how to protect a business from data breaches.

Trade welcomes test and release – but calls for end to quarantine
Government plans to introduce a test and release system for travellers arriving in England have been broadly welcomed by the trade – but there are calls to go further.