Essential travel

Like so many others, the coronavirus has robbed travel influencers of their livelihoods. International travel is almost impossible and advertising partners have drastically scaled back their orders. Many of them now advertise fashion, sandwich spreads or mail-order companies. But some influencers carry on regardless. Clients around the world are using them and their immense influence to market travel destinations ― especially during the COVID crisis. Travel influencers promote travel to high-risk areas Like the Gulf emirate of Dubai. It relies on social media stars to attract vacationers ― after all, it wants to become the "world's leading tourist destination," in the words of the tourism authority's website. Influencers receive numerous benefits in Dubai. In return, they are supposed to persuade people willing to travel to book their vacation in the desert city despite the coronavirus pandemic and recent scandals about human rights violations . Dubai's tourism authority did … [Read more...] about Travel influencers and the COVID crisis

Consumer confidence is everything for the UK travel trade and these new hotel quarantines – necessary as they are in the fight against mutant Covid strains – are going to dent it. So it’s absolutely crucial that the Government does not allow this strategy to remain open-ended. Britain’s holiday and aviation industries are in a desperately parlous state and need to know the timeline for a clear exit route, so they can make plans. Likewise, the public needs solid assurance from Downing Street that it will do everything possible to allow summer holidays to go ahead safely - once the vaccination programme has kicked in - and they can book with confidence. What really does not help are TV news appearances from junior ministers saying ‘don’t book a summer holiday’. We are still in the depths of winter and there are many secure, flexible booking options available for the peak season. Why make unnecessary blanket statements that simply trample all over that consumer confidence? … [Read more...] about ‘Britain’s travel industry is in a perilous state – it needs help… now’

BIG travel companies like Jet2 and easyJet have seen a surge in bookings following the PM's lockdown announcement - and Spain is among the most popular holiday spots. Boris Johnson announced this week that no decision would come on foreign travel until April 12, with trips no earlier than May 17 - but despite this there is huge demand for travel. TUI reported that trips to Spain from July onwards were among the most booked overnight following the prime minister's announcement, with bookings up 500 per cent. Earlier this month, Spain said it could be welcoming tourists again within months amid plans for a “ vaccine passport ”. The country’s tourism chief said UK travellers could be heading for the Costas as soon as ­summer. Those who want to take a chance on Spain for a summer break can find some great deals: Jet 2 Holidays seven-night all-inclusive holidays in June from £455pp Jet 2 Holidays seven-night self-catering holidays in June from £299pp Easyjet … [Read more...] about Best cheap deals to Spain if holidays go ahead from May 17 – with prices from £296pp