Friday’s headlines, though, are dominated by the end of the Metropolitan Police’s investigation into lockdown parties in Downing Street, with Boris Johnson not being given any more fines.
UK holidaymakers, meanwhile, are continuing to face Covid-related restrictions when they travel to several European countries, while Thailand is reopening bars and clubs to attract tourists.
Here are the headlines the travel industry woke up to on Friday (20 May).
Consumer confidence at its lowest since records began
UK consumer confidence has fallen to a record low as households struggle to cope with the cost-of-living crisis. The monthly barometer of consumer confidence has dropped by two points to minus 40 – the lowest score since records began in 1974. (The Times)
Johnson escapes ‘partygate’ with single fine
Prime minister Boris Johnson will receive no further fines from the lockdown parties held in Downing Street during the pandemic. The Metropolitan Police has finished its investigation by issuing a final round of fines taking the total number up to 126. (Various)
Covid restrictions still in place for UK travellers in Europe
UK families heading abroad for the spring half-term break continue to face a complex array of Covid testing requirements as some restrictions for major destinations such as Spain, France and Turkey remain in place. (The Guardian)
Thailand begins reopening bars and nightclubs to attract tourists
Thailand’s government is set to allow bars and clubs to reopen in some regions after being closed for more than a year as the tourism-dependent country tries to recover from the pandemic. (Bloomberg)
PM has ‘squandered’ Brexit dividend
Business leaders have accused Boris Johnson of failing to take advantage of post-Brexit opportunities to cut “red tape” and taxes, which could help to ease the growing cost-of-living crisis. (The Telegraph)
Russian airlines targeted in new UK sanctions
Russian carriers including Aeroflot will not be able to sell their lucrative landing slots at UK airports in the British government’s latest round of sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. The slots are worth an estimated £50 million. (Evening Standard)
