A lot of attention for the travel sector during the press conference on Tuesday evening; attention that the industry is not waiting for in this way. After practically standing still for more than a year, the negative travel advice is extended again until mid-May. Now that the travel sector is already seeing the always well-booked May holiday disappear into the trash with this advice, dark clouds are gathering further. In order not to let an entire sector go bankrupt, extra support is desperately needed.

The travel sector was the worst hit during this crisis with a loss of turnover of approximately 90% and a job loss of 20%. “Of course the government measures are helping us to some extent, but the crisis has now lasted so long that the companies that have now completely slimmed down don't have an ounce of fat on their bones. Perspective and extra support measures are indispensable for us, says ANVR chairman Frank Oostdam. We understand that at a time when infections are still increasing, traveling is not yet possible and is not sensible now. But this is yet another blow and must really be the last. In any case, offers us perspective with a view to the summer holidays! The cabinet now indicates that it is hopeful for the summer and rightly says that the travel industry is ready to give us a carefree time ”. When asked what he thinks about, he responds resolutely: “On the one hand we are thinking about extending and also increasing the NOW scheme to 100%, extending the TVL for cancellation costs, but also broadening the TVL for small businesses. who are currently unable to make use of the fixed-cost scheme ”.

At the moment, the travel sector is eagerly awaiting a 'go' from Brussels when it comes to the Voucher Fund that it has set up together with the Dutch government and the SGR guarantee fund. This fund can help travel entrepreneurs obtain a multi-year loan with which they can repay consumers who want to exchange their Travel Voucher for money that they receive in 2020.

Oostdam continues: “Now that the crisis has lasted much longer than expected, we would propose to use this fund also for all those people who rebooked their trip to this year last year, did not receive a Travel Voucher, but now have to be canceled due to COVID-19".

The sector remains creative while the water is up to their lips. Despite the government's caretaker status, they are calling on the government to further meet them with support measures now that the negative travel advice is being extended again, ANVR said on their website.

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