Ian Bell, RSM head of travel and tourism, said the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 and the French government’s decision to ban British visitors on the eve of the ski season came as "yet another blow for the travel industry", with the two factors likely to "acutely impact Christmas and ski travel".
"It’s unclear how specialist ski operators will be able to cope with yet another ski season hit with restrictions if measures continue into the New Year," said Bell.
Citing figures from the 2021 International Report on Snow and Mountain tourism and data from Statista, Bell said more than 13 million skiers visit France’s top 10 resorts each season, with UK skiers making up 9% of all skiers to French reports
"The impact of these restrictions could be catastrophic for the UK travel sector," said Bell. "This could also be the tip of the iceberg if other countries follow suit and put tighter restrictions on travel to and from the UK."
Bell said the "crunch point" for some operators would come at the end of March when they are required to demonstrate their viability to renew their Atols. "Sadly, many won’t be able to do this," he said.
"After a difficult trading period; no government support since the furlough scheme ended; extra restrictions undermining consumer confidence and bookings; and cancellations and subsequent refunds all hitting cash flow, many businesses will hit breaking point. This could lead to a wave of business distress across the sector at the end of Q1 next year."
Bell said it was vital the government finally started to acknowledge the knock-on effect its travel policy changes were having on the travel industry, and came to the table with a suit of tailored measures covering everything from the cost of testing to industry-specific grants.
"This will allow them [businesses] the opportunity to survive long enough to bounce back once measures are lifted."
