On Thursday afternoon (16 December), the chancellor tweeted: "I understand that this is a very concerning time for businesses up and down the country.

"My team and I held meetings with the hospitality sector earlier today. We’re listening to their concerns and will continue to work with them over the coming days."

In response, Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said said during a pandemic, the "worst hit sector" is the travel industry, "blighted" by state imposed international travel restrictions.  

"During a pandemic, the worst-hit sector is the sector worst hit with no support," she added.

Simon Oram, director of The Travel Shop, said if travel agents don’t receive financial support and "things continue as they are", his parents, who launched the high street agency 34 years ago, will "have nothing to show for it". 

"Nearly 34 years of hard work and dedication by my parents... but by your actions, their welfare, mental health, [delayed] retirement don’t matter," he added.

Chris Wright, managing director of Sunvil, said: "Restrictions were lifted when furlough finished so you didn’t have to extend support.

"Many businesses are now struggling with the reintroduction of restrictions/guidance to avoid certain settings. Without new support, previous money spent will have been wasted."

Meanwhile, Personal Travel Agent Helen Furlong said she has had to cancel French ski bookings, as well as customers with bookings for the Italy, Austria and Andorra ski seasons.

"What about my well established and previously successful ski travel business? Fancy a coffee and chat? Talk to the sharp end of the travel business," she added.