ABTA’s statement in response to the Prime Minister’s update this evening on the delay to easing coronavirus restrictions. 

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association said:
 
“Today’s delay to the full reopening of the domestic economy, which follows on from the Government’s recent moves to severely restrict international travel, highlights again the importance of a rethink around ongoing financial support for businesses that continue to find their trade severely constrained by Government policy.
 
“The Government must look at extending the existing support measures for businesses, including delaying the increase in furlough contributions, extending protections from commercial landlords, and keeping full business rates relief, which are due at the end of this month. 
 
“When it comes to travel businesses, Ministers need to acknowledge that even once the domestic economy unlocks, they will continue to be under constraints within the traffic-light system. As we head into the critical summer season, where travel companies ordinarily earn the majority of their income, we must finally see a package of tailored financial support for travel agents and tour operators. Without this tailored support, we will continue to witness people across the country lose their businesses, many of which are independent family firms that have been in existence for decades, and many thousands more people will lose their jobs.”