A travel agent is stopping sales of summer vacation holidays due to depart before the end of August amid uncertainty caused by the UK government’s traffic light travel system.
The online travel agency On The Beach has stopped selling breaks after researching vacationers and the possibility of further disruption to customer plans.
Most of the most popular destinations belong to the Amber category of the traffic light system which was developed by the UK government and which has a huge impact on customer confidence.
Visitors to Amber destinations, including Spain and Greece, will be required to self-isolate and complete a series of tests on their return to the UK.
Only 12 countries – including Portugal – were in the green category. Scotland operates a similar system, it was announced earlier this week.
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On the Beach said its research indicated “a lack of appetite for booking Amber destinations as well as the likely loss of customer goodwill for vacations that may only be booked to be canceled or rearranged.”
The company continued, “This position will be reviewed following the government’s update on travel and related restrictions, which is expected to be released in late May.
“On the Beach will be closely monitoring the situation and will return to the beach vacation sale in summer 2021 as soon as there is more certainty that newly booked vacation will take place without interruption or cancellation and that traffic light requirements can be managed by authorities and consumers, such as.”
Managing Director Simon Cooper said the system does not provide clarity beyond a three-week window of what destinations people can travel to without isolating them.
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He said his company has “no interest in selling holidays that are unlikely” and would cease sales for travel in June, July and August.
The government will review their list every three weeks, with countries potentially being added or removed based in part on their Covid-19 case rates and the success of their vaccine launches.
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Mr. Cooper said, “We do not yet know enough about how the traffic light system will work in practice and there is currently no certainty or clarity beyond a three week window.
“In the coming weeks and months – until vaccination programs across Europe and beyond – it is very likely that the traffic light classifications of the travel destinations will fluctuate regularly. Therefore, there is a likelihood of disruptions or even cancellations due to the large number of customers who want to book more than three weeks in advance. “
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Mr Cooper said the temporary suspension of sales will be reviewed in line with the next government announcement.
He added, “Unlike many of our competitors, we have no interest in selling holidays, which are unlikely, as our business model allows us to put customers first rather than getting cash in the door to get contribute to high fixed costs. and offer refunds in the form of a voucher when holidays are canceled.
“This is a temporary measure that we will review in line with the next government announcement.
“In the meantime, we will focus on helping our customers who already have bookings for their options and advising them to either go on vacation, change their vacation, or if the vacation is canceled, within to be refunded in cash from 14 days. ”