30,000 jobs in travel are at risk from Sturgeon’s holiday diktat

SCOTLAND’S travel industry has been plunged into chaos after Nicola Sturgeon urged Scots not to go abroad, it was claimed yesterday.

Industry chiefs have reacted furiously to the First Minister’s warning against taking foreign holidays during the pandemic.

They said it flies in the face of Foreign Office advice and means holidaymakers who cancel planned trips will not automatically qualify for a refund.

Jacqueline Dobson, president of Barrhead Travel, warned that 30,000 jobs in Scotland depend on the sector.

She said in recent weeks there had been a surge in demand for last-minute holidays for the October break – but Miss Sturgeon’s comments had caused ‘confusion and concern’ for travellers.

Speaking as she announced new coronavirus restrictions on Tuesday, Miss Sturgeon said: ‘Please think of the October break as an opportunity to further limit social interaction.

‘And, given that this is a global pandemic, please do not book travel overseas for the October break if it is not essential.’

But the official Foreign Office advice remains that tourists from the UK can visit a number of countries around the world – although some mean a two-week quarantine on return.

Miss Sturgeon has also signed up to the so-called air bridge policy which allows people to visit countries, including Turkey, without having to self-isolate afterwards. Mrs Dobson said: ‘This conflicting message is

‘Real confusion and concern’

another body blow to an industry on which 30,000 Scots depend on for their livelihoods.

‘There has been a clear demand for last-minute holidays in September and October but this statement has caused real confusion and concern among Scottish holidaymakers.

‘We have been inundated with calls from customers asking for advice on what they should do – whether to follow the First Minister’s guidance or the Scottish Government and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s published rule. This conflict has caused chaos.’

Mrs Dobson warned that as her firm is an ABTA member it is ‘bound by and recognises Foreign Office guidelines’ so the conflict could result in customers failing to get a refund if they cancel their holiday with no ‘specific advisory against travel’.

She is calling on Miss Sturgeon to bring in measures to support the travel and airline industry.

Mrs Dobson added: ‘We are asking the First Minister, not just on behalf of Barrhead Travel but on behalf of the whole sector, to engage with us today to protect the long-term sustainability of an industry that is a key driver of the Scottish economy.

‘Protecting public health and protecting jobs need not be mutually exclusive.’