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      Baldwins Travel takeover deal secures future

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      A multi-million-pound takeover of Baldwins Travel by business group Inc & Co has been completed.
      The new company says the deal secures the travel agency’s high-street presence across Sussex and Kent.
      Established over 120 years ago, the Tunbridge Wells-headquartered company currently employs more than 50 staff across eight branches, all of which will be protected under the move to the new owner.
      The acquisition of the business – established in 1895 – follows a challenging year for travel, but its new owners say the investment will allow it to navigate its way out of the difficulties presented to the sector during the pandemic.
      Originally a bookbinder and stationer that started selling rail tickets, Baldwins grew to become one of the largest travel operators across the south coast.ADVERTISEMENTIt currently has a high street presence across Tunbridge Wells, Cranbrook, Lewes, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Tenterden, Tonbridge and Uckfield.
      Jack Mason, group chief executive of Inc & Co, said: “We’re really excited to announce Inc & Co’s acquisition of Baldwins Travel, and we’ll be warmly welcoming the brand into our growing portfolio of businesses.
      “Although it’s been a difficult year for the wider sector, we’re delighted to be in a position to secure the futures of Baldwins’ employees and branches across Kent and Sussex.
      “Since our founding in 2019, we’ve grown the number of businesses we oversee and our employee headcount, from just five to 750 across 15 brands.
      “We’re really excited to bring Baldwins’ established brand heritage and the expertise of its long-serving staff into the Inc & Co family.”
      Through the deal, Inc & Co will take on any existing payments due, tour operators will receive all monies owing and all customers will be refunded any outstanding payments.
      Chris and Nick Marks – former Baldwins owners – will continue to remain within the business.

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      ABTA calls on government to overhaul travel regulations

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      ABTA is seeking to keep up pressure on the government to put the “right framework” in place to get people travelling again, kickstart a recovery in the travel industry and provide urgent financial support.
      The moves come as officials prepare to release the latest strategic review of international travel requirements, which is due by the end of the month.
      Using the findings from its latest member survey on the impact of the pandemic, ABTA has written to the chancellor and transport secretary to highlight the devastating impact the travel requirements have had on the ability of the industry to trade this summer.
      The association is calling for a significant overhaul of the traffic light system so travel businesses can trade their way out of this crisis, and also emphasising the ongoing need for tailored financial support.
      ABTA is encouraging its members and the wider industry to get involved in lobbying and communications efforts to help drive home the essential changes needed to save jobs and businesses within the industry.ADVERTISEMENTGraeme Buck, director of communications at ABTA, said: “We must use our collective influence to get the government to use the strategic review to reopen more destinations and get more people travelling again.
      “To help us exert pressure and hammer home the essential changes needed at the review, we are calling on our members and all parts of the travel industry to join our ‘Twitterstorm’ at 14:00 today and write to their MPs this week about the challenges facing the industry.
      “There are also new assets available to share on social media to spread the message even further.”
      Calls from ABTA echo those of Heathrow earlier this week, with both calling for a scrapping of the current traffic light travel system.

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      Competition & Markets Authority brands PCR test system a ‘lottery’

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      The Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) has found there are features of the PCR testing market which mean “competition alone will not deliver the right outcomes for consumers”.
      The body said there is a risk of a ‘race to the bottom,’ in which providers compete on grounds other than high clinical quality and travellers end up losing out.
      Consumers’ complaints include that they are paying over the odds and receiving poor service, with test kits and results arriving late or not at all.
      They also say that, when things do go wrong, they are unable even to contact some providers, let alone get refunds when they are due.
      In addition to providing advice to the UK government, the CMA is already using its powers to act where it can.
      On August 25th, it published an open letter to all PCR test providers warning them to stay on the right side of consumer law.
      On September 3rd, the CMA launched an investigation into Expert Medicals, one of the largest providers in the market, and investigations into other companies are being considered.
      Meanwhile, a further 19 test providers have also been told directly by the CMA to improve their pricing information or risk further action.ADVERTISEMENTBut the CMA’s review has found that, even with the enforcement of consumer protection law, competition cannot be guaranteed to deliver the right outcomes for consumers in the PCR testing market.
      A combination of up-front regulation, monitoring and wider sanctions is needed.
      Consumer research also found that being listed on the official government website was the most commonly cited factor in why consumers had chosen a particular provider.
      Building on previous advice provided to the Department for Health & Social Care (DHSC), the advice published today makes a number of recommendations, including creating a one-stop shop list of quality, approved test providers by significantly improving the basic standards to qualify for inclusion on the list.
      The CMA also suggested introducing a comprehensive monitoring and enforcement programme to ensure providers on the official list meet these basic standards and rules.
      Andrea Coscelli, chief executive of the CMA, said: “Buying a PCR travel test is a lottery.
      “From complaints about dodgy pricing practices, to unfair terms, to failure to provide tests on time or at all, to problems with getting refunds, the experience for some is just not good enough.
      “Recent weeks have underlined that we will not hesitate to take action against any PCR test provider we suspect is breaking the law and exploiting their customers.”
      He added: “However, competition alone will not do the job, even when backed by enforcement of consumer law.
      “The PCR testing market is unusual because its key features are dictated by Government policy decisions to fight the pandemic.”
      The findings come as reports suggest Boris Johnson will scrap the PCR test system in a wider overhaul of travel restrictions later this week.
      Commenting on the findings, Rory Boland, Which? travel editor, said: “The government must now urgently set out how it will implement the regulator’s recommendations and ensure safe, reliable and affordable tests are available for all travellers.
      “Meanwhile, the regulator must continue to come down strongly on any providers not following the rules, to send a clear message to the rest of the market and prevent any more travellers being left out of pocket.”

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      SPAA calls for return to travel as organisation reaches milestone

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      The Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA) celebrated 100 years since its founding with the message that the “fear factor” around international travel must stop.
      In front of an audience of 200 travel professionals at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow, SPAA president, Joanne Dooey, appealed to the Scottish and UK governments to support a return to international travel.
      Dooey said: “We need to see a return to international flying.
      “The fear factor driven by people in power now needs to stop.
      “We need to get Scotland back to business with safety protocols in place which are simple, and more importantly do not cost a fortune, to allow our industry to get back to some normality. ADVERTISEMENT“We need to remove complexity and bring in simplicity with clear consistent communication and processes to support travel and not to hinder it or prevent it.”
      It is widely accepted that the travel sector has been the worst hit industry by the pandemic, with passenger numbers falling to below ten per cent of previous years.
      However, this statistic hides the true financial picture for the outbound travel sector.
      With travel agents not receiving any income until the customer actually travels, agents were faced with refunding bookings made pre pandemic meaning that, once credit card refund charges are considered, agents have had negative income – and little tailored support – since autumn 2019.
      The SPAA has been lobbying for Scots being demonising for going on holiday to cease, and for the Scottish government to get behind an industry which supports 26,000 jobs in Scotland and brings £1.5 billion to the economy annually.
      Joanne added: “We need to trust in the vaccine and allow freedom of movement.”
      The SPAA has continued, throughout the pandemic, to lobby for sectoral support for travel agents who have tirelessly worked to keep their customers travelling and their businesses afloat.
      The SPAA centenary dinner was originally scheduled for February.
      It is the oldest organisation representing travel agents in the world and currently has 120 member companies.

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      ABTA waves farewell to de Vial after more than a decade

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      ABTA has confirmed that John de Vial will be leaving the association at the end of September.
      de Vial has spent 12 years at travel agent body, largely as director of membership and financial protection.ADVERTISEMENTHe moved to a role overseeing the strategic plan for the organisation earlier this year, with Rachel Johnson taking on his former position.
      ABTA chief executive, Mark Tanzer, said: “In the twelve years since he joined the ABTA team, John has overseen the running of an effective membership and financial protection operation that has dealt with significant company failures, and the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
      “His management responsibilities have now been effectively transferred to a new generation of leaders, and he leaves a legacy operation that is respected and resilient.
      “We wish John well in his future endeavours.”

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      On the Beach returns to market with free testing offer

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      On the Beach, which sat out the summer season, has confirmed holidays are now back on sale.
      As it returns, the beach holiday retailer has confirmed it will offer customers free Covid-19 tests for new bookings made before the end of the month.
      In May, the travel company made the decision to stop selling holidays during the peak summer season, as uncertainty and confusion around international leisure travel grew.
      The merits of the decision remain questionable, with millions of Brits having enjoyed a summer break this year, and the company is now seeking to rebuild its position in the market.
      All bookings to Spain, Greece and Cyprus will be eligible for the new testing offer.ADVERTISEMENTTo fund the activity, the travel company has created a £1.5 million fund dedicated to helping rebuild consumer confidence in travel as part of its commitment to supporting the long-term and sustained return of tourism. 
      Customers’ tests will be ordered automatically following their holiday booking and delivered a minimum of 48 hours prior to departure, with one antigen test to be taken on holiday prior to return to the UK and one PCR test to be carried out on or before day two following arrival in the UK.
      On the Beach has partnered with leading travel testing provider Collinson, which is UKAS-approved, to send test kits via tracked delivery.
      Initially the free tests will be available for those residing in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and for bookings made in September for departures in 2021.
      Simon Cooper, chief executive of On the Beach, said: “We are thrilled to launch this industry-leading offer for our customers and remove the financial burden of PCR testing for holidaymakers as they get to grips with the new normal of holidaying.
      “Having carefully monitored the ongoing travel updates, the data at home and in our key destinations, and the sentiment among our customers, we feel that the time is now right to welcome them back to the beach.”

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      TUI Group expands Eurostar activities partnership

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      TUI Group had upgraded tours and activities partnership with Eurostar, the high-speed rail link between the UK and mainland Europe.
      The agreement the strong and strategic growth in tours and activities, including a steadily increasing number of partnerships with high-profile European businesses.
      The enhanced version of the digital platform now enables Eurostar customers to choose from over 5,000 excursions, activities and tickets, available in all Eurostar destinations.
      In the UK there are hundreds of activities in London alone, but customers can also book excursions in Oxford, Cambridge, Cardiff and Edinburgh.
      There are also experiences available throughout France, the Netherlands and Belgium, including options in the key city destinations of Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels, as well as Versailles, the French Riviera, Rotterdam and Antwerp for those looking to travel on to Eurostar’s connecting destinations.ADVERTISEMENTHenry Ledden, head of digital, Eurostar, said: “As people start planning their first trips after lockdowns, they are looking for new experiences.
      “Our updated activities platform offers a selection of the best things to do across our destinations making it even easier to plan an escape as travel restrictions ease.”
      A diverse selection of experiences is available, from skip the line options at world famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, Stonehenge and Harry Potter Studios, to must-do activities, including boating along Amsterdam’s canals, Belgian beer tasting and the Downton Abbey tour.
      “Eurostar was our first international rail partner, and we are very proud to grow our collaboration, providing a digital solution to deliver more great experiences for their customers,” commented Nishank Gopalkrishnan, chief business officer of TUI Musement, the tours and activities division of TUI Group.
      “This is also further recognition of the growth of our supply portfolio, globally and within Europe, and the scalability of our digital distribution solutions.”

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      UKHospitality warns vaccine passports could damage industry

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      Vaccines minister, Nadhim Zahawi, has confirmed vaccine passports will be required to enter nightclubs and other indoor venues in England by the end of this month.
      Zahawi said it was the right time to start the scheme for sites with large crowds as all over-18s will have been offered two jabs by then.
      Asking people to show certificates with Covid-19 vaccination proof has been criticised by venues and some MPs.
      Zahawi said it would ensure the economy could remain open.
      Speaking on the Andrew Marr show, he explained: “The best way we can keep those industries open in my view, in our view, is to work with the industry.ADVERTISEMENT“One thing that we have learnt is that in large gatherings of people, especially indoors, the virus tends to spike and spread.”However, the plans have met with concern in the industry.
      Commenting on reports, Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “A scheme introducing mandatory Covid-19 passports for certain venues and events will be unworkable, cause conflict between staff and customers and will force business to deal with complex equality rules.
      “Operators may even be forced into a position where they have to let unvaccinated staff go, at a time when there are record levels of staff shortages across the industry.”
      She added: “The hospitality sector has invested heavily to ensure customers are safe and we have proved venues are Covid-19 secure.
      “Introducing a scheme such as this will be a hammer blow to businesses such as nightclubs that were closed by the government for nearly 18 months, and have only recently been able to trade viably and make progress toward rebuilding and paying off accrued debts.
      “Over the past year our sector has been devastated and businesses have only known forced closure or the most severe restrictions.
      “This policy will be devastating for businesses that remain fragile and will certainly derail recovery and cost thousands of jobs.”

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