Organisations & Operators,

New research from ABTA reinforces an ongoing trend seen throughout the pandemic for people seeking the security and reassurance of booking a package holiday with a travel professional.
The research, conducted at the beginning of July, shows holidaymakers are 25 per cent more likely to book a holiday with a travel professional now than before the pandemic, with half citing the security of a package holiday as their main reason.
This was followed by trusting travel companies to look after them (48 per cent), and the travel professional’s up-to-date advice (42 per cent).
The findings also show that consumer confidence in and awareness of the ABTA brand remains consistent with pre-pandemic levels, with almost three-quarters of respondents associating the brand most strongly with reassuring (74 per cent), experts (74 per cent), confidence (73 per cent) and safe (73 per cent).
ABTA remains the most recognised travel association among those surveyed, with 77 per cent of people saying they had heard of the organisation.ADVERTISEMENTTo support the restart of international travel and encourage bookings with an ABTA member, ABTA is promoting its Book with Confidence tips on social media over the summer and continuing to help holidaymakers feel informed, reassured, confident and excited to book an overseas holiday this year via its ongoing #ReadySteadyTravel campaign.
Recent activities include videos inspiring people to book holidays to green and amber list countries, advice on testing for travel and blogs on travel to green and amber list countries.
ABTA is also regularly updating the essential information and guidance on travelling during the pandemic in the #ReadySteadyTravel hub here.
ABTA Members are encouraged to share the latest advice and travel inspiration content with their customers by downloading the campaign assets and suggested social media posts from the marketing toolkit in the MemberZone.
Shelly Beresford, head of brand and marketing at ABTA, said: “People continue to recognise the huge benefits that come with booking their holidays through an ABTA travel professional, with the ABTA brand remaining as highly regarded as ever.
“We know there is huge pent-up demand for overseas holidays after so many months of restrictions, but that there is also a lot of information that people to know and understand before they travel, so we’re making sure that the #ReadySteadyTravel campaign keeps holidaymakers informed about the changes that will affect their travel plans, reassured about the prospect of taking an overseas holiday and excited to book their well-deserved break with an ABTA member.”

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The biggest crisis in the history of tourism continues into a second year.
Between January and May, international tourist arrivals were 85 per cent below 2019 levels (or a 65 per cent drop on 2020), UNWTO data shows.
Despite a small uptick in May, the emergence of Covid-19 variants and the continued imposition of restrictions are weighing on the recovery of international travel.
Meanwhile, domestic tourism continues to rebound in many parts of the world.
The latest UNWTO data shows that over the first five months of the year, world destinations recorded 147 million fewer international arrivals (overnight visitors) compared to the same period of 2020, or 460 million less than pre-pandemic year of 2019.
However, the data does point to a relatively small upturn in May, with arrivals declining by 82 per cent (versus May 2019), after falling by 86 per cent in April. ADVERTISEMENTThis slight upward trend emerged as some destinations started to ease restrictions and consumer confidence rose slightly.
“Accelerating the pace of vaccination worldwide, working on effective coordination and communication on ever changing travel restrictions while advancing digital tools to facilitate mobility will be critical to rebuild trust in travel and restart tourism,” argued UNWTO secretary general, Zurab Pololikashvili.
International tourism is slowly picking up, though recovery remains very fragile and uneven.
Rising concerns over the Delta variant of the virus have led several countries to reimpose restrictive measures.
In addition, the volatility and lack of clear information on entry requirements could continue to weigh on the resumption of international travel during the northern hemisphere’s summer season.
However, vaccination programmes around the world, together with softer restrictions for vaccinated travellers and the use of digital tools such as the EU Digital COVID Certificate, are all contributing to the gradual normalization of travel.
In addition, domestic travel is driving the recovery in many destinations, especially those with large domestic markets.
Domestic air seat capacity in China and Russia has already exceeded pre-crisis levels, while domestic travel in the United States is strengthening further.

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The biggest crisis in the history of tourism continues into a second year.
Between January and May, international tourist arrivals were 85 per cent below 2019 levels (or a 65 per cent drop on 2020), UNWTO data shows.
Despite a small uptick in May, the emergence of Covid-19 variants and the continued imposition of restrictions are weighing on the recovery of international travel.
Meanwhile, domestic tourism continues to rebound in many parts of the world.
The latest UNWTO data shows that over the first five months of the year, world destinations recorded 147 million fewer international arrivals (overnight visitors) compared to the same period of 2020, or 460 million less than pre-pandemic year of 2019.
However, the data does point to a relatively small upturn in May, with arrivals declining by 82 per cent (versus May 2019), after falling by 86 per cent in April. ADVERTISEMENTThis slight upward trend emerged as some destinations started to ease restrictions and consumer confidence rose slightly.
“Accelerating the pace of vaccination worldwide, working on effective coordination and communication on ever changing travel restrictions while advancing digital tools to facilitate mobility will be critical to rebuild trust in travel and restart tourism,” argued UNWTO secretary general, Zurab Pololikashvili.
International tourism is slowly picking up, though recovery remains very fragile and uneven.
Rising concerns over the Delta variant of the virus have led several countries to reimpose restrictive measures.
In addition, the volatility and lack of clear information on entry requirements could continue to weigh on the resumption of international travel during the northern hemisphere’s summer season.
However, vaccination programmes around the world, together with softer restrictions for vaccinated travellers and the use of digital tools such as the EU Digital COVID Certificate, are all contributing to the gradual normalization of travel.
In addition, domestic travel is driving the recovery in many destinations, especially those with large domestic markets.
Domestic air seat capacity in China and Russia has already exceeded pre-crisis levels, while domestic travel in the United States is strengthening further.

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VisitEngland is stepping-up its UK-wide ‘Escape the Everyday’ campaign to drive domestic day trips and overnight breaks as the summer holidays begin.
The campaign, first launched in September, highlights the quality destinations, visitor attractions and experiences on offer across the UK to build back demand for domestic breaks and boost consumer confidence as restrictions lift.
The summer campaign ‘Escape the Everyday – Enjoy the UK this Summer’ has a focus on cities and city attractions as well as regional gateways which have been hit particularly hard by the lack of international visitors and that rely on their spending.
Tourism minister, Nigel Huddleston, said: “There is so much to see and do in our vibrant towns, cities and villages across all corners of the United Kingdom and we want people to make the most of our tourism offer and rediscover summer safely. ADVERTISEMENT“It’s been a challenging period for our brilliant tourism and hospitality businesses but they’re ready to welcome us back and I encourage people to show their support for this important industry.”
The £5.4 million campaign kicks up a gear from this week with the launch of more than 1,200 digital billboard adverts showcasing activities and experiences in cities across the UK as well as advertising on radio, digital audio and podcast platforms.
A new short video and branded content across social media as well as ‘on demand’ television advertising will launch in August.
VisitEngland director, Andrew Stokes, said: “As we emerge from lockdown, reconnect with family and friends and with international visitors slower to return, now is the time to book a domestic city break and also support our local businesses, attractions and destinations as they start to rebuild.
“Whether it’s a day trip to a local attraction or an overnight stay, whether dining out in our vibrant cafés or exploring our world-class museums and galleries, we want people to rediscover and take a new look at what’s on their doorstep.”
The campaign also drives online traffic to a new website with ideas and links on city-focused experiences across the nations and regions, with advice also to support visitors on travelling responsibly.

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Hays Travel are offering coronavirus testing kits holidaymakers can pack in their suitcases in a bid to take the stress out of going abroad this summer.
Video appointments are provided alongside the kits meaning there is no need to interrupt the enjoyment of a holiday to search for a testing centre.
Strict rules currently require anyone entering the UK to have proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within the three days before departure, regardless of whether or not they have been vaccinated.
Hays Travel has teamed up with approved supplier Collinson Group, to provide the government approved tests, that can easily be packed in luggage.
Collinson help travellers take the test during the pre-booked video call appointment and the result comes through within an hour along with the appropriate fit to fly certificate by email. ADVERTISEMENTThe test kits were launched this week high street shops and are already in huge demand as holiday bookings continue to rise, with Spain and Greece favourites this summer.
“This test kit is ideal for anyone who will be travelling from a resort where the UK requires a test before coming home,” said Jonathon Woodall, Hays Travel chief operating officer. 
Hays Travel customers can get the test for a price of £33.60.

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A coalition of travel industry organisations has written to the secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport, Oliver Dowden, to express disappointment at the tourism recovery plan.
The document was released last month and details how authorities intend to get the second back on its feet after the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a letter signed by 16 senior representatives from across the industry, the Save Future Travel Coalition expressed disappointment with the lack of tangible policies in plan.
They also showed concern with a statement in the plan that the government wants to “embrace” the current restrictions on overseas travel as an “opportunity” by “boosting domestic demand”. ADVERTISEMENTThe coalition emphasised that the outbound tourism sector is worth more than £37 billion and supports more than half a million jobs in ordinary times across the UK.
One of the coalition partners, ABTA public affairs manager, Emma Wade, said: “The tourism recovery plan lacks many policies the industry is so desperate to see.
“We urge the secretary of state and his colleagues to engage with businesses and organisations across the travel and tourism industry to rectify that oversight, and to ensure that the plan continues to evolve in the coming weeks and months.”
Highlighting the importance that retaining the strategic international connectivity will play in the overall economic recovery of the UK from Covid-19, the coalition reiterated its proposed key actions to support the industry, including:

To establish without delay the proposed inter-ministerial group for tourism, and broaden its remit, so that it can act as a conduit to ensure the views of the travel industry are heard by ministers across government.
To set up permanent structures to ensure a coordinated approach to travel and tourism between the four nations of the UK.
That the secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport make representations to the treasury for travel and tourism businesses to be a priority case for funding and that financial support is not removed while constraints on trade imposed by the government remain in place.
To include overseas visitors who have been fully vaccinated in the changes to quarantine rules.
To make the case for borders to be resourced fully to ensure that increased volumes of passengers can be handled without significant disruption.
To make coronavirus tests in travel more affordable and more proportionate in their use.

The Save Future Travel Coalition is made up of 16 leading travel bodies and campaign organisations which together represent the vast majority of outbound and inbound organised travel to the UK.
They include ABTA, AITO, Advantage Travel Partnership, UKinbound, Pacific Asia Travel Association and the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association.
A government plan for the hospitality sector received a warmer response earlier.

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TUI is moving to permanent flexible working in the UK following 16 months of home working due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The majority of office-based employees in the UK have worked from home since the start of the pandemic in March last year.
During this time, the company sought to embrace the shift realising that almost all office-based roles could be done remotely. 
TUI conducted colleague research to understand their views on ways of working, with many citing they have adjusted their working practices and have discovered benefits, including a better work life balance, that they would like to continue with once the pandemic is over.
As part of the new ways of working, TUI employees will only be required to attend the office once a month to attend face to face team meetings or collaboration events, enabling individuals to make their own choice about how often they would like to work in an office environment.ADVERTISEMENTWhile offices will remain open individuals will be able to decide what working environment works for them.
Recognising the importance of transitioning to a permanent flexible working approach, the organisation has created a new workspace director.
This role will be responsible for workspace portfolio across the UK and Ireland and will have the accountability to define and implement a workspace strategy.
Belinda Vazquez, workspace director of TUI UK & I, said: “At TUI we embrace the concept that work is something we do, not somewhere we go.
“We have listened to our employees in order to define a clear framework that ensures ultimate flexibility, whilst creating positive experiences that enable all colleagues to feel like they belong and are valued.”

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Kayak has become the official shirt sleeve sponsor of Newcastle United ahead of the 2021/22 Premier League season.
First team players will wear Kayak branding on the shirt sleeve of all home, away and third kits for the forthcoming season. ADVERTISEMENTThe strategic partnership marks the first ever football sponsorship for the travel search engine.
Founded in 2004, Kayak pioneered the system of allowing customers to compare prices across multiple providers in one location – known as meta search.
Commenting on the partnership, Per Christiansen, Kayak vice president, EMEA, marketing, said:  “As we continue to grow our brand partnerships in the UK and internationally,  we are thrilled to kick off our first football partnership with Newcastle United.
“It is an honour to be associated with the team and we look forward to expanding our presence amongst the players and their global fanbase as they enjoy the freedom of travel and live sport once again.”

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