Don’t book non-refundable summer holidays, health chief tells Scots

Tuesday, 09 Dec, 2020 0

Scots have been warned not to book non-refundable holidays next summer after a new report claimed that overseas travel this year was to blame for reigniting coronavirus in Scotland after it had all but been eliminated.

Professor Jason Leitch, the nation’s Clinical Director said new strains of the virus were introduced to the country following the first lockdown in the summer.

Referring to a new report into the virus in Scotland, Prof Leitch said between 17 July and 30 August there were 46 ‘imported events’, 28 from England, 13 from mainland Europe and four from Asia.

At a daily media briefing, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the report highlighted the role of travel in reigniting outbreaks of the virus after it had been supressed.

And she said it would be foolish to advise people to book holidays for next summer while the country was still trying to navigate its way through the virus.

She said there would be a review of travel to and from Scotland next Tuesday.

Prof Leitch went further than the First Minister, saying: "Don’t book a non-refundable holiday for next summer."

He said that while the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccines would lead to a ‘new-normal’, the timing is uncertain.

"I have said many times this is not a Scottish problem, it is a global problem, so where would you travel?" he said. "There is going to be all kinds of questions about what other countries have done about vaccination, about immunity, so I would hold back for now and if you are going to book something I would make sure it is refundable."

The Scottish government has announced £5m of funding for travel agents and almost £6m for tour operators and coach companies.

below social share icons

Linsey McNeill

Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk

The Polish Tourism Organisation (Polska Organizacja Turystyczna – POT) is one of several dozen national tourism organisations operating in the...

Arival advances the business of creating amazing in-destination experiences. We provide events, insights, and community for creators and sellers of...

Air Transat is Canada’s number one leisure airline. It flies to some 60 international destinations in more than 25 countries...

We’re here to provide the very best experience in train travel. From booking your ticket, to asking us a question...

Hilton is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 22 world-class brands comprising nearly 7,300 properties and more than 1.1 million rooms, in...

ECOMMPAY is an international payment service provider and direct bank card acquirer, engineering bespoke payment solutions for clients worldwide. Our...

AXA Assistance specializes in best-in-class cost containment, health and travel services. Over 60 years of experience combined with a US and...

Why choose Titan Travel? There are some great travel companies out there – so why Titan? Well, we’re one of...

We understand the importance of personal touch We do things a bit differently at Eventsquid. We know that we could...

Holiday Extras is the UK market leader in airport parking, airport hotels, worldwide airport lounges, destination car hire, airport transfers...

Virtuoso is the leading global network of agencies specializing in luxury and experiential travel, with more than 20,000 advisors. We...

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is an S&P 500® global entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels...

Celebrating its 30-year anniversary in 2022, Regent Seven Seas Cruises® offers guests An Unrivaled Experience® with every luxury included. Carrying...