Travel industry disappointed with loss of hope
The first reaction of the travel industry organization ANVR, after the announcement of the travel advice proposed by the cabinet on Tuesday evening, can best be described as 'disappointing' and 'disproportionate'. Also because any perspective is totally lacking.
”Of course we must respect the choice made by the cabinet at the recommendation of RIVM. We realize that we all have to get the virus under control as soon as possible. But this umpteenth blow is a dramatic message for our travel companies that have been practically silent for over 8 months and who still had a little hope for this fall and the Christmas holidays," said Frank Oostdam, chairman ANVR.
Figures from the RIVM show that especially 'the domestic circle' is the main culprit when it comes to increasing numbers of infections and not traveling (less than 2%).
According to Oostdam, this is almost impossible, because protocols are used everywhere, in aircraft, hotels, restaurants and at destinations. His motto is: "It's not about where you are, but how you behave." The ANVR is surprised that travel to 'yellow' areas is also discouraged, because this creates confusion in the policy that has been applied to date with a yellow travel advice; namely 'traveling is possible'.
The ANVR would like to start rapid tests in consultation with the government, as it also announced with an open letter last week and a campaign. The travel sector is convinced that testing, testing and more testing can pull the travel world out of the doldrums.
As soon as conditions are more favorable, the industry is asking the government to reconsider current travel advice decisions so that earlier than planned travel can resume. Finally, the ANVR insists on sector-specific help. The Voucher Bank is a good and important step, but with these extra travel restrictions, extra compensation is desperately needed to survive this crisis with many companies.
What did they think then? Health NLe population subservient to the interests of the travel industry (or hospitality industry, or events, or wedding industry)?
Already in the summer, statisticians, virologists and epidemiologists begged to hold on for another 3 (three) weeks, because then – just like in China – the virus had pretty much left the country and the EU, but selfishness triumphed.
Just a lockdown, and maintaining KEIhard. Yes, costs a lot, but with that we could have prevented the 2nd wave, which costs much, much more (or a 3rd)
Be happy in Thailand etc, with a much lesser health problem
Harry,
Don't worry, there will be a 3rd one, it's just going around. It goes from country to country. Let things relax and it comes back in via another country. Just think of it as a second flu, which never went away.
We are too many people in this world and nature always restores itself.