One of the hardest hit sectors as a result of the corona pandemic is the travel sector. And for 9 months, the travel industry organization ANVR has been working with the more than 500 affiliated companies to keep afloat in a practically completely closed 'orange' world. And just now that popular winter sun destinations such as Greek and Canary Islands are becoming 'yellow', the OMT seems to want to advise the cabinet to issue 'negative travel advice' before the Christmas holidays. The ANVR is furious and finds this advice a disproportionate measure.

Frank Oostdam, chairman / director ANVR in a press release on their website: “In spite of reorganisations and retraining, 20.000% of the more than 20 travel professionals have already had to leave our sector and that is quickly rising to a third this year alone. With a practically completely closed world, the loss of turnover is already around 90%. It is clear that we are already on the ropes, but this possible advice from the OMT completely kills us. ”

Travel industry has often argued against the mood that travel and holidays would contribute to the spread of the virus. The ANVR therefore fully supports the comment of Prime Minister Rutte 'it is not about what you do or where you are going, it is about how you behave.' The ANVR adds “We do not have a holiday problem, but a behavioral problem”.

After months of repatriating, canceling, rebooking and issuing travel vouchers, one of the redeeming words finally comes: the winter sun destinations including Greek and Canary Islands are scaled down to color code yellow! The travel industry is now happy with every ray of hope and is starting holidays for the fall and Christmas holidays. The traveler also yearns for a little vacation. And then the OMT comes up with this potentially 'deadly' advice for the travel industry; “Incomprehensible and indigestible” for the ANVR.

Also read: No worries for consumers with ANVR / SGR travel voucher