The Travel Network Group and the Advantage Travel Partnership have offered their support to members living and working in areas affected by unrest and the threat of far-right violence.
A number of travel agencies across the UK decided to close early on Wednesday following warnings that more than 100 rallies were being planned, with some gatherings at risk of turning violent as happened at the weekend.
Large-scale demonstrations failed to materialise on Wednesday amid a strong police presence and a turnout of thousands of anti-racism protesters, but travel industry leaders have said they will continue to monitor developments and offer guidance.
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The Travel Network Group chief executive Gary Lewis said: “We have been made aware of issues in Aldershot, Wigan, Burnley, Shrewsbury and Rotherham, and we are keeping a close eye on any reported incidents in areas that impact our members.”
He added: “A few members reported that they have decided to close their businesses early, prioritising the safety of their customers and their teams.”
Far-right demonstrators have staged anti-immigration gatherings and carried out attacks against the asylum system and religious groups since three children were stabbed to death at a dance class in Southport, Merseyside, on July 29.
Almost 500 people have been arrested and close to 150 charged over the unrest in towns and cities across England and in Northern Ireland.
In a message to Advantage Travel Partnership members, the group’s chief executive Julia Lo Bu-Said said: “I am sure, like many of us, you are all very concerned at the pockets of unrest across the UK following the atrocity in Southport.
“It’s very unsettling for everyone, and these events will deeply impact many across our communities.
“During this challenging time, we want you to know that should you feel at any time we can be of help, support or guidance then please do not hesitate to get in touch.”
Newmarket Holidays chief commercial office David Sharman emphasised that staff members’ safety was being prioritised.
The operator’s on-the-road sales representatives were told this week they would be supported if they wished to remain at home because of the risk of unrest.
Sharman said: “Safety of our employees is the most important thing. Lots of agents closed in areas like Exeter and Glasgow in any case.
“We started this on Monday and told the sales team to keep an eye on their local areas and make decisions about agent visits that they felt comfortable with.”
Lewis said members of The Travel Network Group were being helped to make sure they had the correct insurance in place to cover risks related to unrest.
He added: “Like everyone else, these past few days I have been watching the news and while this ongoing instability is deeply concerning, it is also heartwarming to see that a powerful counter-narrative is emerging: communities are coming together to support one another in these challenging times, peacefully making their presence felt against violence, fear and hate.”