Holidays abroad to be close to normal’ – TUI chief
BRITISH tourists can expect to experience “90% of normality” as flights and holidays restart for the UK’s biggest tour operator.
Andrew Flintham, managing director of TUI UK and Northern Ireland, said holidaymakers would need to be prepared for some changes as operations gradually begin again, but he was confident they would enjoy their trips.
Starting this weekend, the company will run a limited number of flights and holidays to the Spanish destinations of Ibiza, Lanzarote, Palma and Tenerife.
While new British quarantine rules mean travellers will no longer need to self-isolate when returning to or visiting the UK from certain countries, there are still foreign coronavirus regulations to consider.
From Monday, the Balearic Government has ruled that face masks must be worn on its islands at all times apart from at beaches, swimming pools and while doing sports activities.
Anyone breaking the rule in public spaces risks receiving a €100 fine.
Travellers arriving to Ibiza have to fill in health check forms ahead of arrival and will have their temperature screened at the airport.
Mr Flintham acknowledged people will need to observe local rules but will still “be able to enjoy the major amenities and the things that you really, really want”.
He said: “The 90% or the 85% of the normality of your holiday is going to be there.”
Under Covid-19 related changes, travellers can expect to see TUI flight cabin crew wearing masks and gloves while in the air as well as providing sachets of hand gel.
Current flight service on planes, that are regularly deep cleaned, does not include hot food or duty free, while QR codes will allow customers to access absent flight literature.
Passengers will be encouraged to check in online, refrain from moving around during flights and limit carry-on luggage to one small item.
TUI intends to run flights from London’s Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham airports between July 11 and 24, carrying up to 12,500 customers on holiday on up to 60 flights.
Further airports, including Bristol, Glasgow, Newcastle and London’s Stansted will begin running flights to Turkey, Greece and more Spanish destinations in the coming weeks.