Advantage: Agents can thrive as world begins to reopen

A handful of destinations, including the UAE, Qatar and Iceland, were added to the government’s travel corridor list on Thursday (12 November), while South Africa – while not yet having a corridor – has signalled it is ready to welcome travellers and tourists from around the world again.

Advantage chief Lo Bue-Said, however, said with the government’s "unpredictable" travel corridor regime doing little for consumer confidence, it was a chance for agents to shine and show their worth.

“Following the news eight destinations have been added to the quarantine-free travel corridors list, this offers the travel industry and our travel agent members some hope at being able to sell holidays to Brits in search of a post-lockdown getaway," she said.

"However, the unpredictability of the travel corridors does not foster consumer confidence when it comes to travel planning.

"For travellers, the expertise of a local travel agent is now more valuable than ever, and they will help cut through any confusion and provide advice on the latest entry requirements, such as evidence of a negative Covid test, which some of these destinations require."