The OTA has extended its current off-sale period from 30 June to 31 August after the majority of its core destinations were categorised amber under the government’s new traffic light system.
Its initial green list features 12 countries and territories arrivals, just four of which could be considered viable destinations at this time – chiefly Portugal. Green list arrivals are not required to self-isolate upon their return.
Holidaymakers looking to travel to Spain, Greece, Italy and France will currently have to self-isolate for 10 days upon their return when international travel resumes from 17 May.
On the Beach said its decision was based on YouGov research, which suggests only around 15% of adults consider it worthwhile travelling to amber destinations under current travel guidelines, and its own search and sales data, which it said showed a "market-wide lack of appetite for booking amber destinations", as well as the likely impact on customer satisfaction if the holidays they book now go on to be cancelled or re-arranged.
The OTA said it would review its decision following the government’s next review of, and update on, international travel, which it said it was expecting at the end of the month.
"On the Beach will monitor the situation closely and return to selling summer 2021 beach holidays as soon as there is more certainty that new holidays booked will take place without disruption or cancellation, and that the traffic light requirements can be managed by authorities and consumers alike," said the firm.
Chief executive Simon Cooper added: "85% of consumers don’t want to book travel to red or amber destinations because there is no guarantee they will turn green in time for their holiday.
"Equally there is every possibility destinations designated green will turn amber or red prior to customers’ departure. Given this, there is too much uncertainty for us to take new bookings with confidence that they will go ahead, or for us to know the potential inconvenience and incremental costs of taking holidays to either current green or amber destinations."
’Temporary measure’
On the Beach’s decision comes after Tui and easyJet holidays on Wednesday (12 May) confirmed they would operate holidays to amber list destinations. Jet2.com and Jet2holidays aren’t due to resume operations until 24 June.
"Unlike many of our competitors, we have no interest in selling holidays that are unlikely to happen," said Cooper. "Our business model enables us to put customers first, rather than needing to get cash in the door to contribute to high fixed costs, and offering refunds in the form of a voucher when holidays get cancelled.
"This is a temporary measure we will review in line with the next government announcement. In the meantime, we will focus our efforts in helping and advising our customers who already have bookings of their options to either still go on their holiday, amend their holiday or, where the holiday is cancelled, refunding them in cash within 14 days.
"We are committed to putting the interests of consumers first, and in doing so, doing the right thing for the travel industry and our suppliers too."
