Economy

Hays Travel hands back Covid loan facility unused

Dame Irene Hays remains optimistic of a strong turn-of-year, despite the cost of living crisis and reports of a lack of trust in the sector

Trailfinders rules out imposing surcharges despite weak pound

Agency issues message of reassurance to clients amid UK’s economic turmoil

Dover chief warns of impact of new EU border system

New entry/exit system due to come into effect at the end of May

Outbound travel could grow by 15% over next five years – Abta

Association says ’with the right tax and policy framework’, the industry could grow by 15% by 2027 compared with pre-pandemic levels

Ambassador joins Abta and updates financial protection arrangements

Chief executive officer, Christian Verhounig, said: ’At the heart of the Ambassador Cruise Line proposition is one objective, to prioritise the guest’

Hurricane Ian hits Florida, plus Qatar executive 'tortured'

Hurricane Ian devastates coastal areas of Florida and is heading north into the centre of the state

Just how big are the UK's economic problems – and what do they mean for travel?

With sterling crashing, interest rates rising and fuel bills soaring, whatever happened to that post-pandemic wave of optimism?

More warnings about UK finance, plus Hurricane Ian hits Cuba

International Monetary Fund urges UK to change economic course to avoid high interest rates and further hardship

Virgin boss on currency crisis: Customers may trade down but they will still travel

Shai Weiss says government should act to halt sterling’s slide

Virgin Atlantic confirms SkyTeam entry but rules out early Gatwick return

Virgin Atlantic to join alliance early next year, but has no plans for an imminent return to Gatwick

The burning issue: Is travel really set up for a carbon-free future?

The government wants the aviation industry to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, but how realistic is this ambition? Gary Noakes reports

Inspire Group gives staff two hours off to help improve mental wellbeing

An extra hour in the morning and one in the evening will help agents and staff improve on their sleep, the group said

At what cost: What do holiday price hikes mean for agents?

New data suggests holiday prices are rising, and agents – and their clients – are feeling the effects. So what does it mean for their hopes of converting post-Covid pent-up demand for travel?

Boom in travel demand as sterling slumps to new lows

Pound falls to its lowest level against the dollar since the 1970s, just as a fresh wave of post-pandemic travel demand takes off

Leger Shearings Group acquires Arena Travel out of administration

The group confirmed Arena staff will retain their jobs and the firm’s bookings will go ahead

Sterling now lowest against the dollar since 1985

The pound falls to a record low against the US dollar

Abta says energy bills help ‘may not be enough’

Abta has urged the new chancellor to give sector-specific help to travel as it emerges from the pandemic

Summer bookings from UK up 4% on 2019 levels – Tui

Summer 2022 ’almost at the same level as summer 2019’, say Tui chiefs

Businesses will get energy help from October, govt confirms

Prime minister’s office confirms businesses will get energy rebates similar to consumers

Downing St confirms 'mini Budget' as sterling falls again

Government pledges to deliver fiscal statement later this month to address cost of living issues

Advantage survey reveals cost and recruitment concerns

Advantage agents spell out energy cost and inflation worries in new poll

Just six months’ energy bills support ‘disappointing’ – Abta

Chief Mark Tanzer says travel businesses should be in pole position for extended support as they head into low season while carrying debts from the Covid crisis

Loganair adjusts fuel surcharges in favour of essential routes

Loganair cuts basic fuel surcharge but increases it on longer distance flights

Winter is coming – so welcome to the calm before the storm

The cost of living crisis hasn’t fully hit home for travel yet, but the industry is bracing itself for a shock when soaring fuel bills start to kick in