The severe prolonged heatwave across southern Europe and the US is failing to deter holidaymakers from travelling at the start of the main summer holidays, according to the trade.
Travel agents and tour operators are offering advice and support to clients concerned about the searing heat, and in some cases are making minor amendments to existing bookings.
None contacted by Travel Weekly reported cancellations as authorities predicted temperatures of more than 40C would continue this week in the Mediterranean, the US, Asia and north Africa.
More: Med heatwave alert extended to Greece and Spain
Temperatures reached 44C in Spain early this week while wildfires affected La Palma in the Canary Islands and mainland Greece. The Foreign Office also issued an alert over ongoing forest fires in Switzerland.
Althams Travel managing director Sandra McAllister said “less than a handful” of clients had mentioned the heatwave to staff at its 31 high street stores, and those that had were asking whether their holiday would go ahead.
“None have asked to amend or cancel. We are offering advice on keeping hydrated, avoiding the midday heat, using sun block and parasols. I don’t think customers have been put off at all, they book the peak months knowing it may well be in the high 30s so most are prepared,” she said.
Barrhead Travel president Jacqueline Dobson said some clients had asked about facilities in hotels or destinations and requested room changes. She said: “We’ve been supporting some of our clients who have had questions about the heatwave in Europe. Most clients are happy to proceed as planned.
“In some cases, clients are looking to upgrade rooms to have larger spaces or access to balconies.”
She stressed the value of agents in this situation. “Having someone at the other end of the phone to chat through scenarios like this is one of the reasons people are booking with agents,” she said.
The Advantage Travel Partnership noted “no sign” of slowing demand or cancellations. “We do not expect to see travellers deciding not to travel due to the weather, particularly with the Met Office forecasting a month of rain for the UK,” said chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said.
Triangle Travel general manager Sarah Kenton said one client had asked to avoid heatwave-hit destinations when booking a late deal. “They did not want to go to Italy, Greece or Turkey because it was too hot. We booked Portugal instead,” she said.
Silver Travel Advisor head of retail Julie Crumpton said “a few” customers due to travel imminently had asked about the heatwave.
“I’ve been double checking on air conditioning for them and recommending they take plenty of sun cream and maybe a higher factor than normal plus make sure they have a hat,” she said, adding: “I wouldn’t say it’s impacted enquiries or bookings.”
ArrangeMY Escape general manager Jennifer Lynch reported fewer late bookings: “We’ve seen a lack of late bookings in the last week or so, bookings are not as buoyant as they were this time last year, but it’s hard to tell if that’s because of the weather or strikes.”
Greece specialist Sunvil is advising guests in resort how to deal with the heat and has sent a note to departing holidaymakers to remind them to fill up reusable water bottles at UK airports before departure.
Managing director Chris Wright said: “We have been working to ensure guests are kept well informed.”
Tui updated its website on Monday to say: “We would like to reassure our customers that high temperatures in holiday hotspots are not uncommon at this time of year and it is always important to take sensible precautions, such as staying hydrated and avoiding direct sun between 12 noon–3pm.”
The operator referred holidaymakers seeking further information to the NHS website.