Uk Outbound Tourism Market News

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.”

UK launches new Global Health Insurance Card
Under Britain’s new agreement with the EU, UK residents’ rights to emergency and medically necessary healthcare will continue when travelling in the region.

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.

Hospitality sector welcomes Brexit agreement
The hospitality industry has welcomed agreement in discussions between the UK and European Union on a future trading relationship, arguing it can preserve jobs and assist the fightback from Covid-19.

Nations close borders to UK as new Covid-19 variant spreads
A number of nations around the world have closed their borders to travellers from the UK after the detection of a new strain of Covid-19. The variant is believed to be up to 70 per cent more infections.

European Commission outlines plans for no deal Brexit
The European Commission has released a set of contingency measures designed to ensure basic reciprocal air and road connectivity with the UK in the event of a no deal Brexit.

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.

Global Travel Commission eyes pre-departure testing regime
The Global Travel Commission has released a series of recommendations designed to restart the tourism sector, including a possible bilateral pre-departure testing system.

New next-generation cruise terminal unveiled at Southampton
Associated British Ports is to open a new next-generation-ready and open access cruise terminal for the 2021 cruise season in Southampton. The facility will benefit from roof-mounted solar power.

Emirates launches new insurance to passengers
Emirates customers can now plan their travels as the airline unveils the latest industry-first initiative to provide expanded, multi-risk travel cover on top of its current Covid-19 cover.

Slow tourism recovery dragging on UK economy
The pace of the economic recovery in the UK from coronavirus fell behind the global benchmark in October for the first time since June – with tourism a particular concern.

United Arab Emirates added to quarantine-free list for UK travellers
The United Arab Emirates, including the tourism hotspots of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are among a host of new destinations to have been added to the quarantine safe list in the UK.