UK. ‘Travel safe’. That’s the message from the UK Travel Retail Forum (UKTRF), the Airport Operators Association (AOA), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Airlines UK, and the British government in the wake of eased travel restrictions.
The UK travel sector is kickstarting with passengers now free to travel to over 60 lower-risk destinations without needing to self-isolate for 14 days. To boost safe travel, the various sector bodies have issued a series of passenger and staff guidelines under the Travel Safe banner.
The UK travel industry is today launching a ten-week ‘Travel Safe’ social media campaign across Facebook and Instagram. It will reach thousands of passengers flying to and from the UK in search of a summer break.
In anticipation of increased passenger numbers, Travel Safe guidance will be on display in the UK’s busiest airports, ports, travel retail stores and food & beverage outlets, providing “simple, specific, and eye-catching” advice for passengers on how to stay safe when travelling.
The UK-wide initiative, which is officially supported by Aviation Minister Kelly Tolhurst, emphasises the industry’s commitment to the transport sector’s recovery. It encourages all travellers and staff to comply with Government recommendations and requirements – in particular aligning with the Department for Transport’s Restart and Recovery initiative.
Tolhurst said: “As people start to head off on their summer holidays, we must all adopt new ways of travelling to keep everyone safe. The Travel Safe campaign is a fantastic initiative that will help reiterate Government advice, informing passengers of the changes to expect at the airport and on flights and reminding everyone of the steps industry is taking to protect travellers.”
UK Travel Retail Forum Chair Francois Bourienne said: “After an extended period of restricted travel, it is important for the industry to help to maintain passenger and colleague confidence that their journey will be safe and comfortable. The Travel Safe campaign brings together port and airport operators, airlines, ferry operators, food and beverage outlets, travel retailers, and the Government to help passengers travel through clear and concise messaging throughout UK airports and ports and across social media.
“These are challenging times for every industry, no more so than transport and aviation, but the sector is fully committed to restarting safely, with all the necessary protocols in place to advise passengers on how their journey and airport experience will be different from what they’ve been used to.”
Airport Operators Association Chief Executive Karen Dee commented: “UK airports are looking forward to welcoming passengers back in time for the long overdue summer break. Airport travel in 2020 and beyond will be different, but we’ve worked hard with the Government, public health authorities and our industry partners to ensure the changes to the passenger journey are appropriate and help to create a safe environment.
“The Travel Safe campaign will be key to inspiring customer confidence as the sector recovers, helping passengers to understand government advice and promoting good practices amongst travellers.”
International Air Transport Association Regional Vice President for Europe Rafael Schvartzman: “As the UK aviation sector begins its recovery, the most immediate priority will be to protect the well-being of staff and passengers. We are optimistic that we’ll see a return of more normal passenger and air traffic volumes, but this will take time. Government-industry guidance – globally aligned through the International Civil Aviation Organization – such as the Travel Safe campaign, is a crucial first step in the sector’s recovery that will pave the way to getting passengers flying again.”
Airlines UK Chief Executive Tim Alderslade said: “Passenger and colleague well-being, safety and assurance are key to getting aviation back on its feet. The sector has experienced unprecedented change in recent months, but through straightforward communication, such as Travel Safe, passengers are fully equipped for the ‘new normal’ travel experience.”
