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Holidays abroad have effectively been put on hold as the coronavirus pandemic caused widespread disruption to the global tourism industry. Culture secretary Oliver Dowden recently announced
that holidays within the UK could return soon - but will you be able to go on holiday in August?
Last week, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden provided a boost for the tourism industry claiming some people may be able to go on holiday this summer.
He said holidays within the UK could return at the beginning of July if the spread of COVID-19 is kept down.
Holidays abroad are unlikely to go ahead, with strict travel restrictions in place across the world and reduced airline services.
He said: “I would love to get the tourism sector up as quickly as we possibly can.
“We’ve set this very ambitious plan to try and get it up and running by the beginning of July.”
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The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is currently advising Britons against all but essential international travel.
The FCO travel advice page reads: “As countries respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including travel and border restrictions, the FCO advises British nationals against all but essential
international travel.
“If you live in the UK and are currently travelling abroad, you are strongly advised to return now, where and while there are still commercial routes available.
“Many airlines are suspending flights and many airports are closing, preventing flights from leaving.”
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People in England are from Monday permitted to meet with up to six people in outdoors spaces including public gardens.
They can spend time together enjoying the fresh air, but they are not yet permitted to stay in a home other than their own.
The Government guidance reads: “Leaving your home - the place you live - to stay at another home for a holiday or other purpose is not allowed. This includes visiting second homes."
Hotels, Airbnbs, self-catering cottages and B&Bs are likely to remain closed until July when they will reopen subject to Government guidance about social distancing.
The Government advice reads: “Premises such as hotels and bed and breakfasts will remain closed, except where providing accommodation for specific reasons set out in law, such as for
critical workers where required for a reason relating to their work.”
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Travel expert Myles Quee from luggage delivery company Send My Bag said: “When Health Secretary Matt Hancock commented more recently that 'summer is essentially cancelled' and the government
rolled out a compulsory 14-day quarantine for UK arrivals, it seemed a summer abroad was even less likely.
“But, more recently, there has been more cause for optimism.
“As lockdown restrictions ease in the UK and across the continent, short-haul flights for UK travellers this summer now seem a possibility.“
He added: “Provided air bridges are in place by the end of June, international travel restrictions could be lifted first.
“But, with non-essential shops able to open from June 15, the hospitality industry will hope it encourages UK nationals to travel around the country more.
“That said, Boris Johnson has previously stated that he hoped to open some of the hospitality industry in Phase three which could be implemented later from July 4.”
Mr Quee said European countries where the infection rate is low are likely to open first such as Greece or Portugal, whereas countries in Central and South America are likely to be closed to
visitors for longer.
He said: “In general, international travellers to countries where death tolls have been high or continue to rise, such as the US and Russia, may find difficulty crossing borders.
“South America and Central America has also become the new epicentre of the virus.
“In particular Brazil, where the government has banned the entry of all foreign visitors by air and closed land and sea borders to foreigners.
“Similarly, the Mexican government has extended its land border with the US until June 22.
“Countries in these regions may see travel restrictions last longest.”
To prevent a second outbreak of the deadly virus, the UK will from June 8 have a compulsory 14-day quarantine.
Travellers will be required to fill in a form on arrival, including their contact information and an address where they will have to remain for two weeks.
Health officials will perform spot checks to ensure compliance with the measures and fines of up to £1,000 will be issued if rules are broken.
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