The World Travel & Tourism Council has unveiled a range of new worldwide measures the organisation argues would allow for the restart of the hospitality sector. The measures have been designed to rebuild confidence among consumers so they can travel safely once the restrictions are lifted. The new Safe Travels protocols provide consistency to destinations […] More
With much of Europe’s hotel sector still closed for business the industry faces a huge challenge to rebuild consumer confidence once Covid-19 lockdown restrictions start to lift later this year, argues global hotel consultancy HVS London. Providing hotel businesses survive financially – utilising a combination of rent and bank loan freezes, government support, working with […] More
In a mixed-bag of results, TUI Group has said it will shed as many as 8,000 jobs it seeks to cut costs by 30 per cent in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. However, the company said it was preparing to return to operation, with the first hotels on Sylt and in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania to […] More
Richard Branson is reportedly to sell a stake in Virgin Galactic to raise $500 million to prop up his other businesses. He currently owns 55 per cent of the venture, and is thus likely to lose his controlling interest. The colourful tycoon has come into criticism in the UK for seeking government support instead of […] More
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has toughened its line on airline refunds as questions continue to grow. The aviation watchdog warned airlines they are legally required to provide refunds to customers who had their flights cancelled because of the coronavirus. Last week the Competition & Markets Authority launched an investigation into refunds across the economy […] More
Stephen Hillier has been selected as the next chairman of the UK Civil Aviation Authority. The former head of the Royal Air Force is the preferred candidate of transport secretary Grant Shapps. He will hope to balance airlines’ immediate needs resulting from reduced passenger demand in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, with consumer issues […] More
ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer has reiterated a call for the government to provide guidance on customer refunds in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Tanzer has previously urged customers to “support” travel agents, by taking vouchers or rebooking holidays instead of demanding cash refunds. While the law is clear holidaymakers are entitled to a […] More
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has announced a series of enhanced health and safety protocols ahead of its expected return to operations. After an extensive review of current procedures, and consideration of every touch point and interaction between crew and guest, new measures will be added to every facet of the experience, from onboard dining […] More
