Opinion

'I know the relaunch of Thomas Cook could bring back some difficult memories'

A year on since its collapse, chief commercial officer at the newly relaunched Thomas Cook Phil Gardner, reflects on the past year

‘We’re in a living nightmare, but there is hope’

So where do I start? Well, it has been horrendous – a living nightmare – and really hard mentally. Everybody’s normal life has had the types of impact you thought were reserved for disaster movies. Our industry has been devastated and its reputation torn apart.

Jeannette Linfoot: A view from Majorca on #SaveTravel

‘I’ve been coming to Majorca for more than 25 years and never have I seen the island in such a sorry state’

'Testing on departure key to ending travel chaos'

’Quarantine on arrival is a blunt instrument, and does nothing to stop the flow of Covid-19,’ says TravelSafe Systems chief Nigel Trim

Steven Freudmann: 'We need a deal with the EU now'

There are no World Trade Organization rules for travel, aviation and hospitality, ITT chair warns

'Airport testing is the top driver of flyer confidence'

‘If frequent flyers can get access to the right travel experience, they will return to the skies when it’s safe and encourage others to do the same’

'Dusting yourself down and seeking new challenges after redundancy'

Ex-Princess Cruises PR director David Sanders talks bouncing back after losing his job

'If you're going to apply measures that destroy my industry, take them seriously'

Why would I, on an empty plane, at an empty airport, be more of a threat than the people crammed on every spare aircraft seat, ferry or train back to the UK?

MAG chief: 'No sign govt wants to avoid further job losses'

’Throughout the pandemic, there has been no evidence of recognition from govt of the need to protect travel,’ says MAG boss Charlie Cornish

Martyn Sumners: 'It's plain govt doesn't understand travel'

’We desperately need government help to survive this deep trough of three winters combined into one big hit’

Sophie Griffiths: 'The industry's frustration is palpable'

With ministers set to meet this week to discuss Covid testing, might government finally find a solution to lift the shackles holding the travel sector back?

Alessandra Alonso: Has travel failed to engage the public?

Other sectors more successful in building trust during coronavirus crisis, says Women in Travel CIC founder Alonso

SPAA: Without support, the whole travel industry is at threat

’We need a credible system of regulated testing for those arriving in the country to help rebuild customer confidence,’ says SPAA president Joanne Dooey

How travel firms can mitigate the effects of quarantine

Kemp Little’s Rachel Kendall explores what employers can do if they have staff impacted by quarantine

Steve Byrne: 'Now's the time to build yourself back up'

’The way companies and individuals behave during this period will further define their reputation,’ says Travel Counsellors chief

'Westminster must realise travel faces a catastrophic future'

Sector must get behind urgent #SaveTravel call for sector-specific support

'Britain's crude approach to overseas travel is a disgrace'

ITT chair Steven Freudmann says new testing technologies must be used to ease restrictions on travel to and from the UK

#SaveTravel: 'Now is the time to instil confidence and trust'

Brighter Group’s Debbie Flynn urges travel to get behind #SaveTravel campaign

Abta: 'Travel's recovery will be longer than most'

it is very welcome that TTG has launched its #SaveTravel campaign to raise awareness and campaign for help. Abta is very glad to lend our full support.

'This latest DfT knee jerk reaction is the final nail in the coffin for many in travel'

It’s about time ministers at the DfT started behaving like leaders and realised this is not a game or a management exercise, but real life and death for the travel industry.

'The govt has finally started reacting with haste - when more thought than ever was needed'

The “swift and decisive” action of which Raab is so proud is just another shameful indictment of the government’s utter lack of understanding of the UK travel industry

'Travelling to Greece, it felt like business as usual'

TTG sub editor Mary Ann Pickford joined Sunvil on its first Corfu charter of the summer as Greece emerges from the coronavirus pandemic

Uniworld: 'The demand is there and reassurances are in place'

UK MD Chris Townson on why agents should "make the most" of FCO advice change

'The opportunity for travel to be a force for good is greater than ever'

’Managed the right way, tourism has the opportunity to provide tangible long-term benefits for locals and visitors alike,’ says Hills Balfour managing director Caroline Moultrie