Brits COULD still enjoy a late summer holiday, says EU boss – as long as people keep apart
MILLIONS of Brits were given a holiday boost yesterday when an EU chief said late getaways could still be possible — as long as people keep apart.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said she was optimistic people would be able to travel as coronavirus was brought under control.
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But it could mean sunbathing in big plexiglass boxes to ensure families are isolated from others.
Mrs von der Leyen said: “I think we are going to find smart solutions to have a summer vacation.
“Maybe a little different, with other hygiene measures, with a little more social distance, but it is impressive to see that we have found solutions.”
Last week, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said Brits should not book their summer holidays as the Covid-19 crisis might still be raging.
His remarks sparked a furious response from the travel industry, which said they showed a “complete disregard” for people’s jobs.
Mrs von der Leyen’s remarks came as ministers in Greece and Austria began hatching plans for how to get tourism up and running again.
Vienna is considering deals with individual countries in Europe that would allow travel to resume.
But tourism minister Elisabeth Köstinger warned only those “on a very good and positive path, such as Germany” would be considered. Greece wants an EU-wide pact on common rules within a month to restart holiday-making.
Athens wants a regime put in place to kickstart air travel “with specific health protocols — testing, so-called health passports and so on — in place”.
Holiday questions
By Lisa Minot, Travel Editor
MY holiday is cancelled, can I get a cash refund?
For package holidays you are entitled to a full refund within two weeks of departure but many tour operators are struggling to process the huge number of cancellations quickly enough. If you booked a flight or accommodation separately, it may not be so easy. Check if your travel insurance will cover the cost. If you paid at least £100 by credit card you could try claiming via the Consumer Credit Act.
My summer holiday is booked. Will it go ahead?
The Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel. Many countries are still banning anyone entering from outside.
I have a holiday booked. Can I get my money back?
If your holiday is technically going ahead it may be difficult. If restrictions still apply nearer departure time you will be due a refund.
Low-risk types of accommodation, such as self-catering villas, could also be allowed to reopen before big hotels. One company in Italy has even designed 2m high plexiglass boxes for use on beaches so holidaymakers can sunbathe in isolation.
But lifeguards have warned that people could “die of dehydration” if made to use them in very hot weather.
A commission spokesman said Brussels was looking into “pan-European co-ordination” on how to restart tourism.
He added that while “the idea of firmly booking your holidays is problematic” there was hope a solution would swiftly be found.
But French PM Edouard Philippe struck a more cautious note, saying people should not yet be thinking of travelling out of the country.
Mrs von der Leyen had previously warned Europeans against booking summer holidays. But as EU countries start to relax their lockdowns she struck a more upbeat tone.
She said: “It is difficult to predict what the next months will be like but what I see is that we are beginning to learn to live with the virus.
“I am impressed to see how innovative the economy is, in the way production has changed — workers work in shifts with smaller groups, with social distance, with new hygiene measures.
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