Hancock: You can forget your ‘lavish’ summer holiday abroad, it’s unlikely to happen

SUMMER holidays are most “likely” cancelled, Matt Hancock has admitted, as he warned any staycations will require social distancing and “lavish international holidays” are off.

The Health Secretary said a ban on holidays, including self-catering accommodation was still in force, while the Foreign Office has advised against all but essential international travel and the 14-day quarantine plans by the UK and other countries make most foreign holidays unviable.

Asked whether that meant “summer was cancelled” due to coronavirus, Mr Hancock replied: “I think that’s likely to be the case. We haven’t made a final decision on that yet, but it is clear we will seek to reopen some hospitality from early July if we keep successfully reducing the spread of this virus.

“But social distancing of some kind is going to continue. The conclusion from that is it is unlikely that big, lavish international holidays are going to be possible for this summer. I just think that’s a reality of life.” His comments came despite tourist chiefs in holiday hotspots reporting an increase in interest and a plea by the Country Land and Business Association for ministers to open up rural businesses and selfcatering accommodation due to their ability to meet social distancing rules.

“There has been a pickup for July and August – this is a bit of a challenge as we do not know what is happening in July. People are quite nervous about how many bookings they should take,” said Malcolm Bell of Visit Cornwall.

Ryanair also announced it will operate nearly 1,000 flights per day from July 1, subject to European countries lifting flight restrictions and “effective public health measures” being put in place at airports. The plan involves 90 per cent of the airline’s pre-covid-19 route network being restored, but on reduced frequencies.

Paul Charles of travel consultancy The PC Agency said: “The Government’s quarantine announcement has crushed hopes of a late summer market internationally and domestic holidays are on hold.”

QACan I travel overseas?

Matt Hancock said yesterday that it was “likely to be the case” that international summer holidays scheduled for this year will be cancelled.

QACan I travel within UK?

You can drive for outdoor exercise with no limits on distance in England. Mr Hancock did not rule out domestic holidays once businesses reopen in line with social distancing.

QWhat will travelling be like after lockdown?

APassengers may have to wear face masks