Across the globe, the travel industry has seen hope and a glimmer of normality, with a surge in holiday bookings after the green light was given on overseas trips from early next month.
Travel operators in the UK are experiencing good vibes, after a huge rise in bookings and inquiries as holidaymakers rush to book their summer holidays in the Mediterranean.
According to the holiday price comparison site, TravelSupermarket, this weekend saw price comparison searches for holidays up 100%, and “click outs” and bookings were up 50%.
Britain’s biggest tour operator, TUI, and Hays Travel also reported bookings up 50% on last weekend and other travel groups have reported an increase in travel inquiries.
Travel hope
COVID-19 doesn’t seem to be stopping itchy-feet wanderlusts booking their next trips and getting back to travel ASAP.
Spain, Greece, Italy, and France are at the top of the holiday wishlists after the UK government is set to announce the “air bridge” agreement, which will allow travellers to visit countries with a low coronavirus infection rates without having to quarantine for 14 days when they return.
The announcement is music to the ears of airlines and travel operators in the UK who have been struggling to stay afloat during the global pandemic.
Let’s hope this will be the case soon for Australia & New Zealand.
A proposed UK/AUS bubble
With people in the UK being allowed to travel from 6 July, the UK government hopes to take the next steps to reopen travel to Australia as part of a new “traffic light” system. Countries will be marked red, amber, or green, based on COVID-19 cases.
Most of Europe is expected to be declared green or amber, which both qualify for quarantine-free travel in the UK.
While the UK government hopes for a reciprocal travel agreement from Australia over the next few weeks, it shouldn’t expect a green light from Canberra.
“A number of countries expressed an interest given our health success in Australia, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they will be invitations we take up.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
Morrison also agreed that Qantas CEO Alan Joyce’s suggestion of mid-2021 for most international travel was not unreasonable.
READ: International Travel: Qantas Warns Of Minimal Service Until Mid 2021
Australia seems to be a very desired bubble, with countries such as Singapore, Fiji, Vanuatu, New Zealand, and Israel proposing travel agreements.
READ: Fiji Travel: This Is What The ‘Bula Bubble’ Could Look Like
READ: Singapore Could Open Up Reciprocal ‘Green Lanes’ For Australian Travellers Soonish