Updated: Operators monitor travel impact of US action in Venezuela

Operators are keeping a watching brief on Venezuela but do not expect a slowdown in sales to the wider region following last weekend’s surprise US military action.

The seizure of president Nicolas Maduro following military strikes disrupted flights and cruises in the Caribbean, while threats towards Cuba, Colombia, Mexico and Greenland raised fears of further instability.

Venezuela has not been featured by UK operators since the Foreign Office advised against all but essential travel in 2014. It currently advises against all travel.

Travel industry consultant Andy Cooper said it was “too early” to tell if the US’s actions would impact the Latin America region and Caribbean but warned: “The continual noise and threat of further actions elsewhere around the globe is only going to create more instability in the market.”

He added: “Unless something major happens, people will continue to want to travel, but this might encourage more-cautious behaviour.”

P&O Cruises reorganised travel for 5,000 fly-cruise passengers following flight disruption. Three Tui Airways aircraft chartered to serve its ship Arvia in Barbados returned mid-air to the UK on Saturday amid safety warnings by the US Federal Aviation Administration.

Other airlines cancelled ex-UK flights. Princess Cruises delayed Grand Princess’s departure from San Juan until Monday due to flight cancellations.

Richard Hadfield, owner of Journeys A La Carte, had clients briefly delayed in the US after their Barbados flight was cancelled.

“If there is some solace in what has happened it’s that it was over so quickly,” he said, adding: "We are used to crises and this is the new norm. No-one can predict what will happen next."

Christian Green, managing director, Thames Travel, said no clients had yet asked about the situation. He added: "Sadly, people are used to these sorts of things. January has started pretty well, we have some brilliant enquiries pending."

Caribtours managing director Paul Cleary said there had been “a couple of queries” about travel to the southern Caribbean.

 

“These events are not helpful but it’s business as usual. We’re monitoring the situation. So far we’re pleased with January sales after an incredible December. At the moment, I’m more worried about snow disruption if the cold weather continues - January is a huge departure month for winter sun,” he added.

Latin America operators remained on alert but said there had been no noticeable sales impact.

Danny Callaghan, chief executive of Lata, said: “Lata hasn’t promoted the country for many years and our UK members have been unable to sell trips there.

 

"UK operators have informed us that enquiries and bookings for Latin America have started strong. We wouldn’t expect there to be any wider implication for travel to neighbouring countries.”

 

Journey Latin America managing director Sarah Bradley said: “The news does not appear to have had any noticeable impact on enquiries or bookings to Latin America. In fact, January has started strongly, with key destinations such as Mexico, Costa Rica, Chile, Argentina, Peru and Brazil performing particularly well.

 

"That said, It probably is a little early to accurately assess the full impact. We are monitoring the situation closely.”

Daniel Benians, managing director of Distinctive Americas, admitted an escalation of the situation could move Latin America “a little further down some clients’ wish lists”.

 

But he said: “We’ve not experienced any negative knock-on effects to other destinations as a result of the situation in Venezuela. 

 

"We’ll have a better idea within the next few weeks as the situation develops. We’re monitoring the situation intently for any indication of possible future disruption. We’re staying positive.”

But Steve Wilson, founder of LiNGER, a direct-sell sabbatical specialist operator to the region, was less upbeat. He said: “The reality is this creates instability in the region and anything like this will create wariness to travel.”

 

In a statement, the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) said its 25 member destinations have been closely monitoring geopolitical developments in Venezuela and “addressing disruptions experienced by travellers due to the temporary closure of airspace this past weekend”. 

 

The CTO added: "The Caribbean has extensive experience managing external disruptions and has consistently demonstrated the resilience of its tourism industry. 

 

“We are grateful to our airline partners for adding capacity to ensure travellers were able to continue with their plans, and to the accommodations sector for its flexibility in supporting affected guests, while safeguarding the region’s vital economic engine.

 

“Cruise and air travel within the Caribbean remain operational, and advance bookings continue to be strong. CTO encourages travellers to proceed with their plans and assures partners and visitors that the Caribbean remains open for business and ready to welcome travellers.”