Ski resorts in Austria and Switzerland, meanwhile, are benefiting from an influx of British visitors while France maintains its ban on UK tourists.
At home, the UK government continues to ease restrictions with asymptomatic people in England no longer required to take a confirmatory PCR test when they receive a positive lateral flow result.
Additionally, economists now predict the arrival of Omicron is only expected to have a “modest” impact on the UK economy this year.
Here are the key headlines the travel industry woke up on Tuesday (11 January).
Tenerife raises Covid alert level with tourists facing more restrictions
The Canary island has introduced a new level 4 regime of Covid restrictions in a bid to tackle rising infection levels. The new rules affect holidaymakers at pubs, hotels and restaurants, as well as those using public transport. Tenerife’s temporary measures will initially be in force until at least 24 January. (The Mirror)
Holiday skiers swerve from France to Austria
Bookings for winter sports holidays to Austria and Switzerland are booming as France remains off limits to British tourists, due to its strict Covid rules. Ski operators confirmed that other European alpine destinations are prospering from an increase in UK bookings following France’s decision to ban British tourists last month. (The Times)
Ski holidays under threat as Italy tightens Covid rules
Italy tightened its Covid-19 restrictions on Monday (10 January) in a move affecting ski holidays for British families this winter. The county’s “super green pass” is now required to be used at a range of additional venues and locations, including hotels. The pass is also now needed to allow skiers to use ski lifts and ski resorts. (The Telegraph)
US warns against travel to Canada amid rising Covid numbers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US has warned against travel to Canada, as Covid-19 cases surge across the country threatening to once again overwhelm vulnerable healthcare systems. The CDC has moved Canada to its level four “very high” warning status. (The Guardian)
Covid PCR tests end for asymptomatic cases in England
People living in England who do not have any Covid-19 symptoms no longer need to take a PCR test to confirm a positive lateral flow result. The rule change reflects the high prevalence of the Omicron variant in the community and the accuracy of rapid test. (BBC News)
Impact on UK economy from Omicron expected to be ‘modest’
Economists believe the impact of the spread of the Omicron variant will only create a “modest jolt” to the UK economy. They predict that while growth will “dip” in December and January, economic activity will then rebound quickly as Covid restrictions are lifted in the coming months. (Financial Times)
