Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s announcement of an additional £1bn to the hospitality and leisure sectors, has left the travel sector underwhelmed and angry-again.
The chancellor acknowledged it is ‘very difficult, especially for those in the hospitality industry’ and could get worse with possible further restrictions in England over the holidays.
Hospitality UK said many businesses have lost up to 60% of their December takings, which is often their most lucrative month.
Despite access to £6,000 cash grants, travel businesses have been ‘left in the cold ‘again.
Joss Croft, CEO, UKinbound said "The Chancellor’s budget will undoubtedly help domestic tourism businesses that are facing unprecedented challenges due to the Omicron restrictions which is obviously good news. However, it is astounding that hospitality businesses, which can trade, will receive sector specific support, but the UK’s tourism supply chain, are being left to wither and die."
"The sector has had no targeted support, which will leave many businesses involved in the UK’s fifth largest export sector, inbound tourism, left wondering just how little the government cares or understands."
The Treasury estimates around 200,000 UK businesses will be eligible for the business grants which are to be dispersed by local authorities.
"Travel agents, tour operators and travel management companies will rightly be asking why they haven’t been given the same treatment as other businesses that are suffering at this time, "said Luke Petherbridge, Public Affairs Director at ABTA.
"Businesses are facing another round of heart-breaking and demoralising cancellations, with no indication that the government is listening to the challenges they are facing."
