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UKinbound pen plea for emergency support to PM
UKinbound and dozens of business leaders from the inbound tourism industry penned a letter to the Prime Minister pleading for emergency financial support due to the Omicron travel restrictions.
Signed by attractions, destinations, hotels, transport providers and tour operators from across the country, the letter emphasised that inbound tourism has been in jeopardy for 22 months and that the latest restrictions have come at considerable cost to businesses that were on the cusp of recovery.
Alongside highlighting that even pre-Omicron businesses were struggling, it outlined that the re-introduction of pre-departure testing, day two PCR testing and the need to isolate pre-results, are causing mass cancellations.
To support tourism businesses that have been significantly impacted by the new restrictions, three asks were presented:
They want emergency grant support for businesses in the inbound tourism industry, including accommodation providers, attractions, destinations, destination management companies, transport operators, tour operators and service providers
It further asks to provide a £1.5bn Business Rates Relief Fund to businesses most impacted.
Thirdly, the government should allocate the remaining Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) funding to businesses facing direct challenges as a result of Covid-19.
Joss Croft, CEO, UKinbound said "Almost every UK business that works in inbound tourism has been affected by the Omicron travel restrictions. These new constrains have directly restricted businesses’ ability to trade and with government support all but ceased, the industry is in a precarious position."
"We desperately need emergency funding that would allow businesses to weather the direct effects of Omicron. We have therefore asked Government to work with the industry, prior to the next restrictions review date of 21 December, to develop a suitable fund."
UKinbound last week released new survey results showing 86% of businesses confirming they have received cancellations or are expecting to receive further cancellations in the run up to Christmas.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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