Nottingham travel agent on summer holidays and what comes after lockdown

Here's some of the main questions she's being asked

A Nottingham travel agent has spoken about the main questions facing holidaymakers right now, as well as her thoughts on how the industry could look going forward.

Tourism has been one of the largest industries to be hit by the pandemic as flights were grounded and borders closed to prevent the spread of infection.

As hopes for a 2020 summer holiday are becoming more distant, Sophie Leadley, owner at Viva Vacations in Nottingham city centre, has shared her advice for travellers.

She said: "The main two questions I'm getting is 'should we book?' And queries about the inevitable influx of cancellations this summer.

"On the first question - people are understandably anxious but equally some can't wait to book and travel.

"But currently, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all essential travel.

"But we are seeing some really good offers for 2021 and even 2022, so I think the industry is trying to galvanise forward bookings, or trying to defer holidays.

"It is starting to look busy for next year.

"I have had a steady stream of enquiries and have been finding the tour operators are offering low deposits with flexible terms, which are positive initiatives to keep booking."

While airlines such as Jet2 confirmed it wouldn't be recommencing flights until July 1, countries such as Spain have already spoken of welcoming back tourists.

Whether your holiday has already been cancelled or you're waiting patiently to find out, Sophie feels the Government advice has been "tricky" to understand but ultimately, it comes down to the FCO.

Another concern that has come up is paying off the rest of the balance owed for an upcoming trip - when the likelihood is, you won't be going.

"Paying your balance this year is important because otherwise you will not be covered and will lose your deposit," Sophie said.

"Equally, I know people don't want their money tied up in a holiday, when it may not be a holiday they even want to take.

"But in many cases, firms are able to move these trips to next year.

"I have been going through my own list of travellers and in most cases, it's been as simple as a quick message to rearrange."

In the latest Government guidance on how restrictions could start to be eased, it announced people arriving in the UK would need to quarentine for 14 days - and there is suggestion the same would happen if travelling abroad, which for many would not fit in with holiday plans.

Speaking about her response to this, Sophie said: "Through all of this, I have tried to keep the bigger picture in mind rather than only think about this one industry.

"When it comes to quarantine plans, I think we have to accept that.

"It'll be on a case by case basis what people choose to do, and maybe some will be able to make it work, but otherwise you'll have to look at other options.

"But if it gets us more freedom in the long term, so be it.

"I am quite a realist, I knew it wouldn't be a temporary change when all this started.

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"The appetite for travel will reduce this year, and we don't know what holidays are going to look like until things settle.

"But I certainly wouldn't sell a holiday for 2020, to have at best a disappointing experience and at worst one that risks their health and safety."

Looking forward, Sophie believes while there may be a surge in UK-based retreats, overseas travel will one day return fulfilling people's love of culture and new experiences.

"I think we've all been cooped up, and actually many people will enjoy more UK breaks so I'm already looking at how I can diversify the business," she said.

"Weekends in Jersey are likely to be popular, and possibly Europe.

"People's lust for travel, experiences, meeting new people will never go away though.

"I hope people going forward will seek out more traditional trips rather than mass tourism, but we have to remember how many jobs rely on it."