Thomas Cook chief predicts huge holiday breakthrough on way – ‘data is starting to speak’
Thomas Cook boss shares promising outlook for travel
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At the last traffic light review, holidaymakers faced devastation as no new nations were added to the list, and popular Portugal was rapidly removed. With the next travel review just days away, expected on or around June 24, Thomas Cook’s chief executive has shared a sunnier outlook this time aro
Speaking on GB News, the travel boss said he on a scale of one to 10, with 10 being the most positive outlook, his confidence in summer travel resuming sits at “an eight”.
“I think we will see, particularly people who have been vaccinated, able to travel to amber countries,” he explained.
“There will be, I think, some tests involved but I think that has got to be the direction of travel given the rate of the incidence of coronavirus.
“Given how much is coming back from amber countries at the moment.
“I think data is starting to speak now and I think that is the story it is telling.”
However, the travel boss says flight and holiday providers need a clearer indication as to how the traffic light list is decided, and when changes are being considered.
He continued: “We’d like some indications clearly as soon as possible but probably more important than the exact date we get clarity on is the direction of travel so that we know that actually when we send a customer on holiday or when we send somebody to somewhere like Portugal we’re not going to have to talk to other people and bring them back at very short notice or restructure their holidays.
“I think that is the thing that is very hard to deal with.”
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Should the traffic light list suddenly change, with more nations added to the green list, travel bosses are anticipating an influx in bookings.
According to Mr French, Thomas Cook is well prepared for this and is hopeful Britons will begin to book en masse.
“We can cope [with a surge in bookings],” he said.
“We are really hoping that will be the case and we would love to take people on holiday.
“I actually went to Portugal when it freed up and it was amazing just how cheerful everybody was.
“From the immigration officials when you arrived in Portugal who are actually genuinely pleased to see you to the hotel staff to the bar staff and everybody else.
“I really would like to see that come back again this summer.”
Unfortunately, as it stands, there is no clear indication as to if or when the Government will add more countries to the green list.
However, reports have suggested the Government is reviewing current restrictions and considering options when it comes to international travel.
This could mean the removal of quarantine rules in favour of testing instead, particularly for those who have received both COVID-19 jabs.
The Prime Minister said: “When it comes to travel we will certainly be looking at that, but I stress that this is going to be whatever happens this is going to be a difficult year for travel.”
He added: “There will be hassle, there will be delays, I am afraid, because the priority has got to be to keep the country safe and stop the virus coming back in.”
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