Tui has confirmed it has suspended its 2020 winter programme of holidays to Lapland.
The UK’s largest tour operator said “continued uncertainty surrounding travel and the unprecedented impact of Covid-19” had led to the decision.
Tui told Travel Weekly last month it was reviewing its Lapland programme, and was at the time offering customers free amendments.
Fellow Lapland operators Santa’s Lapland, Newmarket Holidays and Regent Holidays have cancelled their 2020 programmes.
Confirming the suspension of the 2020 Lapland programme today, a Tui spokeswoman said: “Visiting Santa is a truly magical, once-in-a-lifetime family experience and Tui has worked extremely hard in recent months to try to ensure it can keep the magic alive and guarantee children and their parents a safe and enjoyable holiday.
“However, with the rapidly evolving travel environment and a Covid test soon to be mandatory for Finland, Tui UK and Ireland has decided that, on this occasion, it would not be able to deliver on this promise and wanted to remove uncertainty for families.
“The health, safety and enjoyment of customers and colleagues continues to be Tui’s number one priority.”
Tui said all customers impacted by the decision are currently in the process of being contacted to discuss their options, which include the opportunity to amend for next year, receive a refund credit note with a booking incentive or a full cash refund.
The spokeswoman added: “Tui would like to apologise sincerely for any inconvenience and disappointment caused and thanks customers for their understanding. The magical Tui holiday experience to Lapland will be back in winter 2021.”