Local travel agents offer coronavirus advice to holiday-makers - The Bromsgrove Standard

Local travel agents offer coronavirus advice to holiday-makers

Bromsgrove Editorial 6th Mar, 2020 Updated: 23rd Mar, 2020   0

TRAVEL agents have been issuing advice to holidaymakers concerned about breaks they have booked amidst the coronavirus outbreak, writes Caprice Harrison.

TUI, which has branches in Bromsgrove, Droitwich and Northfield, said it was aware of the impact COVID-19 was having on people’s holiday destinations.

Flights have been cancelled to some areas whilst people are concerned about outbreaks in resorts they travel to.

Spokesperson Kieran Haddock said: “We continue to follow the relevant Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice for all destinations we operate to.




He added if there was an outbreak while people were away they should comply with the safety measures put in place and speak to the resort’s team.

Mr Haddock added: “All our holidays are currently operating as normal and we want customers to enjoy their holiday as planned.


“In the event that we’re unable to operate a holiday due to changes in travel restrictions, we will contact customers directly to discuss their options, including an amendment or full refund.”

A spokesperson for Hays Travel, which have branches in Bromsgrove and Northfield, said: “We are carefully monitoring the advice from the Foreign Office in relation to future travel as well as that of our national industry representatives, ABTA and the Civil Aviation Authority, and will be advising our customers accordingly.

“Customers who have been advised not to travel to affected areas by the Foreign Office may be compensated under ABTA rules and we will support them through this.”

The coronavirus is adding stress to other airline companies and Ryanair, Easyjet and British Airways have all cancelled flights from London Heathrow and Gatwick airports to destinations including New York, Italy and Europe.

Flybe went into administration yesterday, citing coronavirus as one of the reasons.

One concerned Worcestershire holiday-maker who spoke to the Standard was due to fly to Paris with the airline in May.

She said: “The tour operator says it is working to find alternative flights for me but I am worried.

“I hope they can sort this as I am really looking forward to my spring break.”

Anyone wanting to find out more information on holidays they have booked should contact the agent or operator directly.

The following links are available for anyone concerned about their travel plans during the coronavirus outbreak –

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public

https://www.abta.com/news/coronavirus-outbreak

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Tui also has its latest travel advice available here.

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