Government Facing Consequences Over Travel Trade

TSSA General Secretary, Manuel Cortes has said the "terrible consequences" of the Government's lack of action to save Britain's travel trade are clear after the boss of one firm described being "left in an impossible situation" due to a lack of support. 

Alpine Elements has gone into administration as a result of the Covid crisis, with Managing Director, James Hardiman, saying "crucially for us - the lack of UK government support and guidance, have left us in an impossible situation.” 

The comments come just a day after the Chair of the Commons Transport Select Committee, Huw Merriman, backed TSSA’s call for a dedicated Travel Minister to help the sector survive, saying: "the idea for a dedicated travel minister is a really good one; to have someone to champion travel across all departments". 

Commenting, Manuel Cortes said: “The terrible consequences of the Government’s failure to act to save Britain’s travel trade are becoming clearer by the day. As thousands of jobs are lost and businesses go to the wall Ministers continue to sit on their hands. 

“They are now being told directly that – as in the case of Alpine Elements – their decision to largely ignore the unfolding crisis in this sector is having a huge impact, both on livelihoods and the ability of firms to survive once we conquer this terrible virus. 

“It need not have been this way – for many months our union has been calling for a dedicated Travel Minister to ensure the travel trade didn’t fall between government departments. It’s therefore good to see Huw Merriman, the Chair of the Transport Select Committee, backing the idea. 

“We now need action at the very top of Government, and across Parliament, if high street travel agents are to survive into next year, rather than suffering further decimation. There is not a moment to lose.”