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ABTA calls for urgent financial support as Covid restrictions extended
ABTA responded to the delay in easing Covid restrictions in England, demanding decisive action on financial assistance for the travel industry.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson pushed back the date for the ‘Freedom Day’ end to final Covid restrictions.
It was delayed from 21 June to 19 July, with Johnson adding it was ‘sensible to wait a little longer’ due to the spread of the highly infectious Delta variant.
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association said: "Today’s delay to the full reopening of the domestic economy, 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."
"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 support, more businesses, including many independent family run firms, will fold, ABTA says.
This will inevitably lead to many more job losses, says Tanzer.
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