Dickson Calls for Immediate Action after Travel Agency Support Scheme Offered in the South

Alliance MLA, Stewart Dickson, has called on the Economy Minister to take urgent action to support local travel agents, who have been impacted severely by the pandemic, particularly with the new travel restrictions as a result of the Omicron Variant.

Mr Dickson, previously met with the Association of Northern Ireland Travel Agents, alongside Alliance colleague John Blair MLA, to hear first-hand the impact of the restrictions on the industry.

Mr Dickson said: "Travel agents continue to be some of the worst affected businesses due to the ongoing restrictions to travel. They have had little or no business for almost two years, yet have continued to help customers with refunds and advice, as travel plans become more difficult.

“It was welcome when the Executive Office set up a scheme to assist the sector. However, it remained slow to start and was a lengthy process which did not go far enough to help businesses at an extremely challenging time. Disappointedly, this scheme has closed despite the uncertainty of travel restrictions.

"It's time for the Department for the Economy to finally step up and look after these businesses. The Irish Government has just announced a €10million Business Support Fund for travel agents licensed in the Republic. In Northern Ireland, we have over 100 travel agents, totaling more than 600 employees. They deserve the same support as agencies in the South.

Mr Dickson concluded: "Ultimately, if the Department is serious about our high street and jobs, the Minister must act now to help travel agents get through these challenging times until they can trade again as usual. I have once again written to the Economy Minister to urgently press this issue."