Many travel firms remain “perilously close to the cliff edge” due to the coronavirus pandemic, a leading industry figure has warned.
Mark Tanzer, chief executive of travel trade organisation Abta, said businesses “urgently” need Chancellor Rishi Sunak to extend financial support which will be “the difference between survival and failure”.
At least 30 travel companies with UK operations have gone bust since March 2020, including STA Travel, Specialist Leisure Group – which ran brands such as coach operator Shearings – and Cruise & Maritime Voyages.
Speaking at the start of Abta’s annual convention in Canary Wharf, east London, Mr Tanzer said: “International travel has been forced into a mini-ice age.
“Two summers and one-and-a-half winters have been written off, and only now are we starting to see the thaw.
“It’s too early to speak of recovery, and I’m acutely aware of how many of our members are still perilously close to the cliff edge.”
Mr Tanzer said there…