Travel news
It was one of the early travel corridor beneficiaries, but when Spain was removed from the UK’S safe travel list after only a few weeks, despondency within the travel industry set in.
A rise in coronavirus cases across Europe has resulted in quarantine restrictions being slapped on multiple destinations, forcing travellers to cancel holidays.
Spain’s summer season may be over, but resorts and hotels are now looking towards the months ahead.
Michelle Braddock, who runs holiday home rental company Lanzarote Retreats (lanzaroteretreats.com) with her partner Tila, relies on UK tourists for 60-70% of her business.
“Whilst a small percentage are still coming, it is a very challenging time for our business,” she admits. “Luckily we have welcomed more Spanish guests this summer, who tend to book later than Brits. Many Spaniards have their holidays in August, so the challenge started in September. Feelings for the future are very mixed.”
Favoured as a winter sun destination, the Canary Islands still have a chance of boosting bookings later this year, once concerns around a second wave of the pandemic have subsided.
Oliver Horton, who runs Wine Tours Lanzarote (winetourslanzarote.com), offering experiences and tours of the island’s vineyards and craft breweries, is upbeat.
“We are all trying to remain positive, and many of us have been working behind the scenes to improve and expand our offerings when the market picks up,” he says.
“The vibe on the island is, of course, very quiet at the moment, but there are a selection of bars and restaurants open and the main attractions have now reopened too. The sun is still shining!”
Always check the latest travel updates (and your travel insurance cover and any other relevant booking information) before making plans. But if you’re prepared to book ahead, there are some great deals to be found – particularly on the island of Lanzarote.
Most operators now offer free cancellations and flight amendments, making it possible to book in advance without the worry of potentially losing out financially. Make sure your holiday is Atol-protected for even greater peace of mind.