Authorities in Hong Kong are planning to step up restrictions as Covid-19 infections surge.
Elsewhere, tensions over a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine continue, as the UK sends more troops to eastern Europe.
In the US, low-cost carriers Frontier and Spirit have announced the first major airline merger since the start of the pandemic.
Here are the headlines that the travel industry woke up to on Tuesday (8 February).
Tui expects ‘pent-up demand’ to fuel strong summer
Europe’s largest holiday operator Tui has reported improved results for its first financial quarter, although many bookings have been “very short term”. Tui said the UK was “leading the way” for bookings, with summer 2022 prices up by 22% on pre-Covid levels. (The Independent)
Hong Kong set to tighten Covid rules as cases surge
Hong Kong’s leader Carrie Lam is planning to impose further restrictions in the Chinese territory after setting a new record for Covid infections on Monday (7 February). Lam insisted that Hong Kong would continue with its “dynamic zero” strategy to combat the spread of the virus. (The Guardian)
Britain will not flinch over Ukraine, says PM
Boris Johnson has warned Russian president Vladimir Putin that any invasion of Ukraine will only strengthen the Nato military alliance. Johnson made his comments as the UK announced plans to send 350 soldiers to Poland as part of contingency plans in the region. (The Times)
US budget airline Frontier to buy rival Spirit
US low-cost carrier Frontier has agreed to acquire rival airline Spirit in a $6.6 billion deal – the first major airline merger since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in spring 2020. The two carriers said the deal would allow them to compete more effectively with the four major US airlines. (Financial Times)
Half-term bookings ‘look slow’ says Devon tourism boss
The UK domestic tourism market may suffer from people choosing to holiday abroad this summer after two years of travel restrictions. Visit Devon boss Sally Everton said bookings were “looking slow” for the county during half-term and she added that soaring energy costs could be having an impact on consumers. (BBC News)
Spain to ditch masks outdoors in holiday boost
Tourists will no longer have to wear masks outdoors in Spain from Thursday (10 February). The country has decided to end the rule requiring people to wear masks both inside and outside public spaces, which was put in place to stop the spread of the Omicron variant. (Daily Express)
