It is very understandable that people in the Travel Industry feel that it has been especially badly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. They have consequently initiated a campaign to get more help from government (https://londonlovesbusiness.com/wimbledon-travel-agent-backs-travel-industry-campaign-as-sector-on-brink-of-collapse/). Clearly, the Travel Industry is in a very difficult situation as they a) are not getting many bookings; b) cannot furlough all their staff, as they need them to process refunds for people whose holidays have been cancelled and c) have a business model that is seasonal (so substantial new business is unlikely before Spring 2021, at best). So travel companies are folding and others laying off large numbers of workers. There are, however, some inconsistencies in advocating a general bailout. Much as I personally appreciate foreign travel, I have to admit that it is recognized as a major generator of greenhouse gases. We urgently need to try to limit climate change and reduced travel must play a part. The Travel Industry has provided a service that is much more used by the well-off than the poor (the differentials are quite remarkable). How are we going to come up with a system where we all travel rather less, rather than the rich continuing while the poor are excluded? Do we even need a Travel Industry that is of its current size? I'm just asking as these are not easy questions.
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