Coronavirus: Support for the Travel Industry

Thank you for contacting me about support for the travel industry.

I fully appreciate your concerns and the seriousness of the situation for the whole UK travel industry, which I recognise has faced real difficulty in light of the coronavirus outbreak. 

While travelling is not risk-free, I am pleased that the Foreign Office has now published a list of destinations that no longer pose an unacceptably high risk for British travellers. The Government also believes that the risk of importing Covid-19 cases through arrivals from these destinations is sufficiently low. Furthermore, hotels and accommodation sites in England are able to re-open so I hope that both domestic and foreign travel can resume to help the travel sector begin its recovery.

Having looked into the points you make, I am told by colleagues that the UK Government has been engaging with both the package travel sector and consumer advocacy bodies to assess the impact of cancellations made due to the coronavirus outbreak. I am closely monitoring the situation too and taking on board the views of those living and working here in our constituency, including on introducing Government-backed vouchers.

While I do understand the reasons why travel companies are calling for bespoke help, I hope the support which has been made available for all businesses who have struggled has been of some assistance. 

In addition to help on VAT, rates and the Job Retention Scheme, if applicable, I would also encourage businesses in the travel industry who are facing cashflow or other financial difficulties to explore the Government-backed loans and guarantees that have been made available.

Travel firms which have served the country well fear insolvency solely because of this virus. I have ensured that Ministers are aware of the industry's proposed Refund Credit Notices, the idea being that they would put no consumer money at risk.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.