The cruise industry, though, has been placed in the spotlight following reports of a “30-fold” rise in Covid cases, which has left passenger stranded onboard their ships.
Away from travel, the headlines are dominated – unsurprisingly – by speculation around the future of prime minister Boris Johnson, who faces calls to resign after admitting he attended a party at Downing Street during the UK’s first Covid lockdown last May.
In Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific has defended itself after the airline crew were blamed for starting the city’s Omicron outbreak, while a hotel in Thailand is threatening to sue a guest who posted a negative review online.
Here are the key headlines travel woke up to on Thursday (13 January).
France poised to lift ban on UK travellers ‘by end of the week’
The ban on British holidaymakers visiting France is set to be lifted within the “coming days”, according to the French government’s official spokesperson. The move would be a huge boost to the winter sports market which was hit hard by the French travel ban over the Christmas period. (Sky News)
30-fold increase in Covid cases upends cruise industry
A huge surge in Covid infections on cruise ships is causing “mayhem” across the industry, which is leaving passengers stranded onboard ships, worsening staff shortages and prompting the US health agency, the CDC, to warn US passengers against all cruise travel. (The Guardian)
Tories call for Boris Johnson to resign
Several Conservative MPs have called for prime minister Boris Johnson to resign after he admitted he had attended a “bring your own booze” party at Downing Street during the country’s first Covid lockdown in May 2020. The PM told the House of Commons that he thought the No 10 party was a “work event”. (Various)
Cathay Pacific hits back after being blamed for Hong Kong Omicron outbreak
Cathay Pacific has hit back after Hong Kong’s leader Carrie Lam blamed the airline for the territory’s first Omicron Covid-19 outbreak. Lam has ordered an investigation into Cathay crew breaking Covid rules but senior officials in her government have also been criticised for attending a karaoke party. (Financial Times)
Thailand hotel threatens to sue guest over poor review
A hotel in the Thai tourist resort of Khao Yai has threatened to sue one of its guests for tens of thousands of pounds in damages for writing a negative online review. The guest’s review of the Ozone Hotel claimed it was “too expensive” and the room “wasn’t clean”. (The Times)
Djokovic set to play in Australian Open despite visa uncertainty
Novak Djokovic has been drawn to play in next week’s Australian Open tennis tournament despite the Australian government still deciding whether to cancel his visa to the country for a second time. Djokovic was initially refused entry to Australia but this decision was overturned by a court earlier this week. (BBC News)
