TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes said: “The terrible consequences of the government’s failure to act to save Britain’s travel trade are becoming clearer by the day.” 

Alpine Elements entered administration on Tuesday, with managing director James Hardiman saying "crucially for us, the lack of UK government support and guidance have left us in an impossible situation”.
 
The comments came a day after the chair of the Commons transport select committee Huw Merriman backed the TSSA’s call for a dedicated travel minister.

Cortes added: “They are now being told directly that – as in the case of Alpine Elements – their decision to largely ignore the unfolding crisis in this sector is having a huge impact, both on livelihoods and the ability of firms to survive once we conquer this terrible virus.
 
“It need not have been this way – for many months our union has been calling for a dedicated travel minister to ensure the travel trade didn’t fall between government departments. 

“It’s therefore good to see Huw Merriman backing the idea. We now need action at the very top of government and across parliament if high street travel agents are to survive into next year, rather than suffering further decimation.

"There is not a moment to lose.”