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01
Jul 2020
Harrogate travel agents refuse to take holiday bookings
Some travel agents in Harrogate are refusing to take bookings for July and August until the government clears up its “vague” guidance around travel.
The current guidance advises British nationals against all but essential international travel but booking ahead is permitted. Travel agents are expecting an announcement around “travel bubbles” to countries such as Spain and France this week.
However, one Harrogate travel agent who didn’t wish to be named said even if the government says it’s safe to travel he won’t be accepting bookings for July and August. He said he does not believe travellers will be properly covered by insurance because travel rules could change again.
Read more:
Harrogate district to go ‘staycation crazy’ from July 4
Harrogate hotels bring back furloughed staff to train them for new rules
Ben Poole launched his first own travel agency, The Travel Journal, in January. He missed out on the government’s support grant for businesses and spent March and April dealing with refunds and re-bookings. He’s now having to turn customers away at what should be the most profitable time of the year.
He told the Stray Ferret that the government's expected announcement for "travel bubbles" should give insurance companies the confidence to offer protection. But he doesn’t expect there to be a rush of bookings and said most holidaymakers are looking ahead to Christmas and the new year.
He said:
Keith Butterfield owns Number One Travel in Harrogate and also has concerns about travel insurance. He told the Stray Ferret he won't be taking any immediate bookings until the situation is cleared up.
He said:
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