Anyone reading the latest statement on Greece from the Association of British Travel Agents must wonder what planet they are currently on? Probably the planet Zog. To put the latest statement into context we have responded (highlighted in red) to it, line by line Read this in conjunction with our previous blogs on how much currency you can physically take out of the UK without making a formal declaration to HM Customs:
1.There has been recent articles in the UK press on Greece and the country's current financial situation.
JB: True
2.Speculation about a possible Greece debt default, and potential exit from the Euro, has been current for some time, but at present remains just speculation.
JB: Not speculation, there will be a default as the Eurozone has effectively called the bluff of the current Greek government and a referendum has been called for this weekend. Greek banks are already closed for a week and ATMs closed. Capital Controls are already in place. Ther Euro is no longer a unified single currency. Uncharted waters...
3.Any changes would be highly unlikely to happen overnight, any switch to a new currency would take time and Euros would likely be accepted in the interim.
JB: Nonsense changes are already happening overnight and many more to come. Capital Control is in place effectively the Euro is a broken currency inasmuch that different rules are being applied to the Euro in different countries within the Eurozone. It is already having an immediate overnight effect as stock markets are down around 5% and the possibility of contagion is high.
4.Holidaymakers heading out to Greece this summer are advised to take some cash in Euros with them as well as other payment methods (credit/debit cards) so that they are covered for all situations.
JB: Holidaymakers will have to rely on cash see our previous blog. Take small denomination Euro currency notes ideally issued by other countries (See previous blog)
5.We would also advise them, as we would with any destination, to take out travel insurance as soon as they book their holiday to provide protection should they need to cancel.
JB: By all means take out travel and medical insurance, but not necessarily from an ABTA client , shop around and importantly pay at least £101 of the total inclusive holiday bill with a credit card so the credit card company becomes jointly liable for refunding you if the 'merchant' goes bust.
6.We do not anticipate that there will be any need for tour operators to rebook their customers to a different destination.
JB: ABTA have a poor record in forecasting, and mainly reactive, they have no real insight as to the day-to-day operation of member businesses and in reality play a constant game of catch up. It is highly likely if the situation in Greece deteriorates, alternative holidays may be required.
7.At present we have no indication that holidaymakers will be disrupted however, as with all destination matters, we will continue to monitor the situation and work with our Members on any developments. This is an unusual situation but the industry is experienced in handling unusual situations.
JB: The industry may be experienced in handling unusual situations but they never seem to learn and put 'lessons learned' into operation. A good example: The current Tunisian situation for the majority of British holidaymakers has been a frightening shambles with little information being released and the front line left to Resort Reps with very little authority.
JULIAN BRAY +44(0)1733 345581, Journalist, Broadcaster, Aviation Security & Operations Expert, Travel / Maritime & Cruise Industry, EQUITY, NUJ, Broadcast COOBE ISDN ++44 (0)1733 345020 (DUAL CODEC) SKYPE: JULIAN.BRAY.UK e&oe Cell: 07944 217476 or iPhone 0743 530 3145 www.aviationcomment.com # # # VENDOR 10476453 http://feeds.feedburner.com/BraysDuckhouseBlog
1.There has been recent articles in the UK press on Greece and the country's current financial situation.
JB: True
2.Speculation about a possible Greece debt default, and potential exit from the Euro, has been current for some time, but at present remains just speculation.
JB: Not speculation, there will be a default as the Eurozone has effectively called the bluff of the current Greek government and a referendum has been called for this weekend. Greek banks are already closed for a week and ATMs closed. Capital Controls are already in place. Ther Euro is no longer a unified single currency. Uncharted waters...
3.Any changes would be highly unlikely to happen overnight, any switch to a new currency would take time and Euros would likely be accepted in the interim.
JB: Nonsense changes are already happening overnight and many more to come. Capital Control is in place effectively the Euro is a broken currency inasmuch that different rules are being applied to the Euro in different countries within the Eurozone. It is already having an immediate overnight effect as stock markets are down around 5% and the possibility of contagion is high.
4.Holidaymakers heading out to Greece this summer are advised to take some cash in Euros with them as well as other payment methods (credit/debit cards) so that they are covered for all situations.
JB: Holidaymakers will have to rely on cash see our previous blog. Take small denomination Euro currency notes ideally issued by other countries (See previous blog)
5.We would also advise them, as we would with any destination, to take out travel insurance as soon as they book their holiday to provide protection should they need to cancel.
JB: By all means take out travel and medical insurance, but not necessarily from an ABTA client , shop around and importantly pay at least £101 of the total inclusive holiday bill with a credit card so the credit card company becomes jointly liable for refunding you if the 'merchant' goes bust.
6.We do not anticipate that there will be any need for tour operators to rebook their customers to a different destination.
JB: ABTA have a poor record in forecasting, and mainly reactive, they have no real insight as to the day-to-day operation of member businesses and in reality play a constant game of catch up. It is highly likely if the situation in Greece deteriorates, alternative holidays may be required.
7.At present we have no indication that holidaymakers will be disrupted however, as with all destination matters, we will continue to monitor the situation and work with our Members on any developments. This is an unusual situation but the industry is experienced in handling unusual situations.
JB: The industry may be experienced in handling unusual situations but they never seem to learn and put 'lessons learned' into operation. A good example: The current Tunisian situation for the majority of British holidaymakers has been a frightening shambles with little information being released and the front line left to Resort Reps with very little authority.
JULIAN BRAY +44(0)1733 345581, Journalist, Broadcaster, Aviation Security & Operations Expert, Travel / Maritime & Cruise Industry, EQUITY, NUJ, Broadcast COOBE ISDN ++44 (0)1733 345020 (DUAL CODEC) SKYPE: JULIAN.BRAY.UK e&oe Cell: 07944 217476 or iPhone 0743 530 3145 www.aviationcomment.com # # # VENDOR 10476453 http://feeds.feedburner.com/BraysDuckhouseBlog
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