The data comes ahead of what is set to be a pivotal trading period for many travel businesses as they seek to capitalise on pent-up demand for travel and to boost cash flow over the winter.
In a more positive development, the reopening of the US to UK visitors after 20 months is heralded in most national press outlets, but there is a warning booster jab requirements may put a brake on ski holiday sales.
Here are the key travel headlines making the national press on Monday 8 November.
Agency insolvencies ‘the tip of the iceberg’
Insolvencies of UK travel agents and tour operators have leapt in the last year. Audit and tax firm Mazars said insolvencies jumped 17% from 59 to 69. In July, sector insolvencies rose from one to nine. Experts pointed to the end of furlough as putting additional pressure on the sector. (City AM)
US reopens its borders this morning
UK visitors are now able to travel to the US for the first time in nearly two years. The border reopened at 05:01 UK time and the first flights took off from Heathrow at 08:30. All UK visitors over 18 will have to provide proof of vaccination to enter the US. American travellers have been able to travel to the UK since 28 July. (BBC News)
Synchronised flight departure heralds US reopening
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic operated a synchronised departure from Heathrow to celebrate the end of the travel ban. Their aircraft took off from parallel runways at the airport at 8.30am before flying to JFK. (Sky News)
US flights still substantially down on 2019 despite monthly increase
The number of flights from the UK to the US is up 21% this month. However, data from Cirium shows transatlantic services are still 49% below that of November 2019. (City AM)
Ski holidays in jeopardy because of booster requirement
Holidaymakers face being locked out of winter ski destinations because the NHS app does not record booster vaccinations. Austria and Switzerland are among a growing number of nations setting time limits on the validity of injections unless travellers have boosted their immunity with follow-up jabs. (The Telegraph)
Expedia stops captive dolphin and whale attraction sales
Expedia has stopped selling excursions that include captive dolphins and whales. The company said attractions and activities that involve performances by or interactions with dolphins and other cetaceans will no longer be available on our sites”. (City AM)
