Covid worries see travel industry grind to a halt

Travel industry chiefs say bookings for holidays are at a “standstill” as Scots hold back on plans for 2022 amid Covid-19 concerns.

Many travel agents traditionally look for a boost between Christmas and New Year as they launch sales on foreign trips.

But the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA) says uncertainty over future rules means bookings have so far been scarce.

This comes as high street retailers in Tayside and Fife report a drop in footfall.

SPAA president, Joanne Dooey, said: “There’s no Christmas bonus for the travel sector this December.

“There is no post-holiday spike for Scottish travel agents, as holidaymakers’ confidence in travel has been shattered over the last 20 months.

“This will push travel agents who have fought tirelessly for almost two years to save their businesses to the edge.

“In 2021, travel agencies were operating at just 22% of their previous annual revenue compared to precovid yet their fixed costs remained the same.

“Many of our members tell us they were operating at 10% or less of previous years.”

While local firms are also reporting fewer customers, some remain optimistic.

John Stewart, of Hays Travel in Dundee, told The Courier: “We have been kept busy this week booking customers to the Canaries over New Year and early January, as they want to celebrate with less restrictions and enjoy some winter sunshine.

“Yes, footfall is down compared to previous years for this period of time.

“But as we return from the New Year break, January is our busiest month of the year for summer holiday bookings, and early indications from inquiries are that everyone is needing something to look forward to.”

The SPAA is calling for action by Holyrood to ensure the sector can survive.

Ms Dooey said: “We need a structured plan to be drawn up by the Scottish Government in full consultation with all aspects of the travel industry, which supports the future of Scottish travel rather than allowing it to wither and die.

“A viable plan would include winter resilience grants to keep travel businesses open and their staff in jobs.

“The return of some form of furlough scheme to give income support to the sector is also vital.

“Travel agents cannot simply close down as they need to remain open to continue to help their customers. Rates relief to all high street travel agencies ought to be extended.

“Agencies also require help with loan payments as they now face the repayments on the bank loans they took out at the outset of the pandemic after 20 months of negative income.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We are all too aware of the impact coronavirus has had – and continues to have – on business and the Scottish economy.

“The emergence of the new Omicron variant and the speed at which it is spreading brings even more economic uncertainty.

“That is why the actions we have taken so far, including extending nondomestic rates relief which is helping travel agents get back on their feet, are firmly focused on supporting businesses, protecting jobs and mitigating the continuing impact of Covid on our wider economy.

“The Scottish Government is acutely aware of the financial implications for many businesses and we are working at pace with business sectors and industry to develop targeted financial support for businesses that will be impacted by the restrictions, including those required to close.

“Businesses need the scale of financial support available earlier in the pandemic such as furlough, which can only come from the UK Government, which has borrowing powers the Scottish Government does not.”

The UK Government has said travel restrictions are a matter for Holyrood.

HOLIDAY WOES: Uncertainty over future Covid restrictions have caused many would-be travellers to put plans for foreign trips on the back-burner.