Uncertainty about liability for a traveller catching Covid is one of the biggest obstacles to travel, according to a new survey of travel buyers. This challenge is second only to the lockdown of destinations and entry restrictions.?
The finding comes in a survey of nearly 100 travel buyers around the world on travel policy and sourcing during Covid-19 carried out in September by BCD Travel. Of those companies that took the survey, 84 per cent said they were currently only allowing essential travel.
Looking at air policy, 39 per cent said they are mandating the use of preferred airlines and 21 per cent said they expected to implement the change to air policy. Some 34 per cent of buyers said they are already encouraging travellers to use direct services where travel is still permitted while 37 per cent are looking to implement the change.
When it comes to hotels, 46 per cent of buyers are already mandating the booking channel used and 29 per cent think they will implement this measure.
2020 hotel programmes will be rolled over into 2021 by 27 per cent of respondents, with 42 per cent saying they would keep elements of the 2020 programmes with some new additions.
The survey also asked for views on pricing. It found that 60 per cent said they expected air fares to increase while hotel rates are expected to fall by 58 per cent of buyers.