'Hapless' government under fire over 'miserly' new travel corridors
Covid vaccine: Which parts of the travel industry will benefit first?
How the Caribbean is opening up to tourism, and where you can go
Virgin launches tickets that 'guarantee' a quarantine-free Caribbean holiday
Eight more destinations were added to the UK’s quarantine-free list in the Government's update on Thursday, but just one of these is open to British tourists, which has prompted withering reactions from the travel industry.
Rwanda and Namibia were the first two African countries to be granted a travel corridor, marking a fresh victory for the Telegraph’s Unlock Long-haul campaign. However, of the two, just Rwanda is truly open to UK travellers – the only flights between the UK and Namibia are via countries on the quarantine list.
The other six destinations that were given the green light – Uruguay, Sri Lanka, Israel, the North Mariana Islands, the US Virgin Islands and Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba – all remain closed to tourists.
Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency, told Telegraph Travel: “The sooner we can have a consistent approach to overseas travel the better. It does seem as though government advisers stick a pin on a world map sometimes to decide which country should be given a travel corridor and it’s no wonder consumers question why Namibia is opened up instead of Jamaica for example?
“There’s no obvious logic to the weekly review as Northern Mariana Islands, that well-known UK tourist hotspot, has proved. Let’s have a consistent traffic light system, as the EU has done; shorter quarantine and move on to normality as early as possible in 2021.”
Meanwhile, Paul Goldstein, co-owner of the Kicheche safari camps in Kenya, said that the government, and particularly Mr Shapps, “have shown a total disregard for the travel industry with their cynically motivated granting of a few miserly travel corridors.”
Referring to the new additions to the travel green list, he added: “Unfortunately, as with so much this hapless government does, there has been zero research.”
Scroll down for the latest updates.
04:26 PMWhat happened today?
What happened today?
The main headlines:
- Scotland braces for new restrictions, including on travel
- Covid testing centre to open at Gatwick
- Ryanair extends flight change fee waiver
- Safari industry needs travel corridors for Africa's regional hubs
- Americans urged to stay home for Thanksgiving
- Princess Cruises cancels sailings until April 2021
Catch-up with the rest below, and join us again tomorrow for more travel news.
04:19 PMHow Rwanda became one of Africa's most luxurious – and safest – holiday destinations
How Rwanda became one of Africa's most luxurious – and safest – holiday destinations
It is only destination to have been granted a travel corridor this week that you could feasibly visit once England's lockdown is lifted, so we'll leave you with this report from Ben Ross on his trip to Rwanda in 2018:
Nyungwe National Park contains some of the best preserved montane rainforest in Central Africa, its 375 sq miles (970 sq km) of dark canopy occupying an extraordinary position as “the water tank of Rwanda”, with rain that falls here draining to the Nile in the east, and to the Congo in the west.
Lurking amid the foliage are 13 primate species in all, among them Pan troglodytes, the common chimpanzee. Jean Claude Nyirimbazi takes me to find them: a half-hour trot along narrow paths lined with tall strangler figs and tiny orchids, with the dense forest stretched like florets of broccoli over the distant hills and the croak of a black-billed touraco occasionally rising over a buzz of insects. We spot a chameleon by the path, pass the spikes of blood lily, and then… a tracker appears from nowhere, beckoning us over.
04:03 PMWhat you need to know about ski holidays for Christmas 2020
What you need to know about ski holidays for Christmas 2020
Covid-19 doesn't have to dash your hopes of a white Christmas on the slopes – as long as you’re happy to navigate the rules.
Lucy Aspden explains how you could still enjoy the snow this winter.
03:59 PMIn pictures: Views from around the world
In pictures: Views from around the world
As we eagerly await the end of lockdown in England, and look forward to travelling once again, here are some snapshots of life elsewhere.
03:40 PMThe rise of 'regenerative' travel, the new trend in sustainability
The rise of 'regenerative' travel, the new trend in sustainability
A new breed of tourist wants to have a positive impact on the places and communities they visit, writes Chole Sachdev.
From wildfires in Australia and California to the ongoing pandemic, the world in 2020 has been in a constant “state of emergency”. But from this unpredictable state of affairs, a new breed of conscious traveller has emerged, keen to roll up their sleeves and help to heal the destination they’re visiting. It’s an idea that has evolved from sustainable travel, which traditionally works to minimise the negative impacts of tourism. The new era of regenerative travel aims to repair the harm that has already been done.
“Being green is about doing less damage, sustainability is about reaching net neutral, and regeneration is about actually making it better,” explains Amanda Ho, co-founder of hotel booking agency Regenerative Travel ( regenerativetravel.com), a one-stop shop for the conscious traveller looking to book a luxury hotel that repairs, replenishes and regenerates its community and environment.
03:33 PMJapan health experts urge pause in domestic travel campaign
Japan health experts urge pause in domestic travel campaign
Japanese health experts said the government should consider pausing its domestic travel campaign in some regions amid a recent rise in virus cases and as the country begins a holiday weekend.
The expert panel recommended excluding regions from the government’s Go To Travel campaign if conditions worsen. It also said local governments should ask restaurants and bars to shorten business hours for about three weeks to dent the spike in cases.
“Stronger measures will be taken in a short period of time and in high-risk areas to avoid the kind of situation that would require the declaration of a state of emergency,” economy minister Yasutoshi Nishimura told reporters on Friday after meeting with the experts.
03:24 PMVirgin's Verbier chalet to reopen ahead of Christmas
Virgin's Verbier chalet to reopen ahead of Christmas
Fancy escaping your home office and spending a week living the life of an A-lister in the Swiss Alps?
You’re in luck. Richard Branson has announced his luxury chalet in Verbier will reopen to guests from December 13.
The Lodge, part of Virgin Limited Edition’s collection of properties, is as swanky as luxury chalets come (think hot tubs, a games room and plenty of plush furnishing), with access to the world-class slopes of Verbier, which began opening its slopes for the season at the end October.
A week’s stay for eighteen people will set you back an eye-watering CHF 226,842 (roughly £187,600) this Christmas – worth it though for a taste of the high life, right?
Tempted? Take a look around
03:08 PMHow a BA pilot got sucked out of a cockpit window, but lived to tell the tale
How a BA pilot got sucked out of a cockpit window, but lived to tell the tale
The incident involving BA Flight 5390 remains one of the strangest, most disturbing and most astounding moments in the airline’s history, writes Chris Leadbeater
The day began normally enough. The departure was as unexceptional as any from a British airport that Wednesday – leaving Birmingham at 8.20am; an early-bird worm-catching endeavour, bound for Malaga. The date was June 20.
On board were 87 people – six crew members, and 81 passengers. Many of them were rushing south for a welcome dose of sunshine on the Spanish shoreline, knowing the beaches would be significantly quieter that week than they would a month later, when the school year had finished.
However, if gentle relaxation was what most of those travellers had in mind, their morning would deal in quite the opposite.
The aircraft – a BAC-111 with the name County of South Glamorgan – took off smoothly. However, 13 minutes into the flight, as it passed above Didcot in Oxfordshire at about 17,300ft (5,300m), it suffered a malfunction that might have sent it spiralling to its doom.
02:45 PMPoll suggests contracting Covid while flying is travellers’ biggest concern
Poll suggests contracting Covid while flying is travellers’ biggest concern
The survey, which was conducted by consumer research firm JD Power, asked 50,000 US air passengers in September and October about their fears regarding travel during the pandemic.
Results found that 24 per cent were not at all worried about catching Covid-19 while travelling.
However, 37 per cent of respondents were concerned about being infected onboard an aircraft. This figure is significantly higher than other aspects of their trip. Only 2 per cent were worried about picking up the virus at a hotel and 13 per cent in a taxi or train to the airport. Furthermore, just 6 per cent had fears surrounding their destination.
The news comes despite the fact that last month a top aviation official claimed only 44 Covid cases had been traced back to air travel.
02:32 PMHow Africa is opening up to tourism, and where you can go
How Africa is opening up to tourism, and where you can go
The UK has announced new travel corridors with Namibia and Rwanda – but 31 other African countries are welcoming Britons.
My colleague Greg Dickinson has compiled a comprehensive guide to which parts of the continent are open to visitors.
02:20 PMPrincess Cruises cancels sailings until April 2021
Princess Cruises cancels sailings until April 2021
The cruise line has announced it is extending its in operations until March 31, in line with the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) framework.
It says this will allow time for the estimated preparation needed to completing required activities prior to sailing and taking into consideration the temporary seven-day cap on itineraries that call at a US port. It is also cancelling all cruises longer than seven days sailing in and out of US ports until November 1, 2021. Cruises to and from Japan will be on hold until June 25, 2021.
“We are focused on preparing our ships to meet the CDC health and safety requirements for our eventual return to service,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. “We also appreciate the continued support we have received from our guests, partners and travel advisors, reinforcing for all of us why we do what we do.”
Guests booked on these cancelled voyages will have the option to receive a refundable Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equivalent to 100 per cent of the cruise fare paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 25 per cent of the cruise fare. Alternatively, guests can request a full refund for all monies paid on their booking through this online form.
02:06 PMMadrid to close borders to stop virus transmission ahead of Christmas
Madrid to close borders to stop virus transmission ahead of Christmas
The regional Government of Madrid has said the area will close its borders with other regions between 4 and 14 December in an effort to stop transmission of the virus over the long bank holiday weekend.
Over the period, travel into and out of the region will only be permitted on justified or emergency grounds.
“We want things to be as good as possible as we approach Christmas,” Antonio Zapatero, the region’s deputy public health minister said today, adding that the decision to limit people’s movements had been taken “in the interests of prudence”.
Spain’s nationwide curfew, declared under the current state of emergency, is expected to remain in force until at least the beginning of next year. In Madrid, people have to remain at home from midnight to 6am and gatherings - as elsewhere in Spain - are capped at six people.
01:57 PMAirlines need another $80 billion in aid to survive, says industry body
Airlines need another $80 billion in aid to survive, says industry body
Airlines will need $70-80 billion (£52.7- £ 60.2 billion) in aid from governments to survive the coronavirus crisis, the sector's global body has warned.
“For the coming months, the industry’s needs are evaluated at $70-80 billion in additional aid, otherwise some airlines will not survive,” said Alexandre de Juniac, director general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), at the Paris Air Forum on Friday.
Vaccine breakthroughs offer hope, but return to mass travel remains some months away, according to airlines.
Fresh travel curbs have worsened the financial outlook for a sector which IATA has predicted is set to lose $87 billion this year. IATA has predicted a painfully slow recovery with a return to pre-crisis traffic levels only in 2024 and passenger numbers still down 30 per cent next year.
01:46 PMScotland's travel ban 'vital', claims Nicola Sturgeon
Scotland's travel ban 'vital', claims Nicola Sturgeon
Travel restrictions in Scotland are "vital" to ensure there is no need for a national lockdown, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said.
People will be legally prohibited from travelling in or out of areas in Level 3 and 4 as part of new regulations from 6pm on Friday. The regulations also ban Scots from travelling to other parts of the UK.
Nicola Sturgeon urged Scots to abide by the new regulations, which could see a £60 fine levied against those who violate the rules, unless a "reasonable excuse" such as caring responsibilities, hospital appointments or exercise.
She said: "These travel restrictions - nobody likes them, I don't like them - but they are vital in helping us minimise these risks.
01:37 PMThe truth behind The Crown's tragic skiing accident
The truth behind The Crown's tragic skiing accident
The Prince of Wales is all to aware of the dangers of skiing off piste, as depicted in the latest series of Netflix’s hit series, writes Lucy Aspden.
The nation is once again hooked on the Royal Family, thanks to series four of Netflix’s The Crown.
While the series documents the high-profile narratives of Margaret Thatcher’s term as Prime Minister and Diana’s early days as a member of the Royal household, episode nine, titled Avalanche, shines a light on a tragic accident that almost saw Prince Charles killed in an avalanche in the Swiss Alps.
There has been speculation around the accuracy of the show, but the avalanche in Switzerland did actually happen, and Prince Charles was very much involved – witnessing the death of one of his closest friends.
Here's a closer look at the events of that ski trip.
01:30 PMHealth spa closes its doors in light of ongoing Covid restrictions
Health spa closes its doors in light of ongoing Covid restrictions
Today Grayshott Health Spa announced its permanent closure, reports Charlotte Johnstone.
The cutting-edge Surrey health spa, set in a creeper-clad country house that once belonged to Alfred, Lord Tennyson, was the UK’s pioneer in gut health for over 50 years.
It was world-famous in its approach to addressing the symptoms and consequences of modern day living with retreats and programmes that offered walks for all paces, fitness and holistic classes, wellbeing talks and spa treatments - from reflexology, reiki and acupuncture to attentive massages and glowy facials.
Guests who have made deposits will be contacted for refunds over the next month, and those with vouchers can contact s.mccann@grayshottspa.com with a photo of the certificate, and the name and contact details of both the purchaser and the recipient.
In a statement, general manager Sheila McCann said: “The impact of the global Covid-19 outbreak and a second lockdown further restricting travel means that, unfortunately, the business can no longer be considered viable. The future of trade is currently looking uncertain, and despite returning guest loyalty, closure has become inevitable.
“We are proud of the work we have done and knowledge we have shared on the path towards improving the health and wellbeing of our guests. We thank you sincerely for your trust, confidence and loyal patronage over the decades."
01:10 PMComment: Does Grant Shapps have the faintest idea what a 'travel corridor' actually means?
Comment: Does Grant Shapps have the faintest idea what a 'travel corridor' actually means?
The travel industry's inept bingo caller is at it again, writes Simon Parker.
I’m spending another Friday morning wondering if the travel industry’s standard-bearer has the faintest idea what a “travel corridor” actually means. Because a quick glance at a dictionary would confirm that a corridor is “a passage that leads from one place to another”.
The Government’s “corridors” are more like spooky caves that get narrower and narrower as you venture deeper. In fact, Shapps’ Thursday Twitter announcements remind me of how I used to bump up the word count of my GCSE English coursework with superfluously massive excerpts from Shakespeare.
First out of the pot last night – like the top-flight teams entering the FA Cup at the Third Round – came Israel, Namibia, Rwanda, Sri Lanka and Uruguay. (All proudly delivered in CAPS)
Then came the 10th tier minnows: Bonaire, St Eustatius & Saba, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the US Virgin Islands. Bingo caller Shapps might as well have been making up numbers – “twelveteen” – because if the corridor is shut when you reach the other side, it’s nothing but gobbledygook.
12:51 PM'Tourism supported everyone in my village, from farmers to schoolchildren – now it's all gone'
'Tourism supported everyone in my village, from farmers to schoolchildren – now it's all gone'
An Indian tour guide explains how lockdowns have caused her to lose 90 per cent of her income:
There was no financial aid from the Indian government. State government provided some aid on health and food supply. But it seems like the government is struggling to manage the Covid-related issues.
The lockdown was a shock in many ways, especially financially. Tourism used to reach every nook and corner of our village and it stopped. We all missed tourists and were not happy. I was indoors most of the time. We were shaken financially. All arenas of life here are affected by the lockdown. When people do not step out of their houses, there is no need for an infrastructure that supports society.
We depend on agriculture-related works now. Or we take up similar small labours. It is not enough. We are not happy about it. However, we are trying to accept and adjust with it. There is no other way.
My husband is a driver and farmer. With the lockdown, he is completely out of business too. Currently, I am working in an agricultural nursery and he’s taking care of farming at home. The situation is not great when there is no reliable source of income.
12:26 PMSt Lucia to charge tourist tax
St Lucia to charge tourist tax
The Caribbean island, which on the UK's quarantine-free list and requires arrivals to present evidence of a negative PCR test, will introduce a tourism levy from December 1.
Visitors will be charged (US)$3 or $6 per person per night, depending on the cost of their accommodation costs.
The charge will be halved for tourists aged between 12 and 17 and waived for under 12s.
Saint Lucia's government passed the levy after two years of consultation; the money made will go towards the tourism industry.
Registered accommodation providers are required to apply and collect the levy and pass it on to the administering authority.
Tourism minister Dominic Fedee said: “The aim is to ensure that the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA)is self-sustainable. The former budget allocation of approximately EC$35 million can now be directed to other demanding areas within key sectors of education, national security, and health care”.
12:07 PMStockholm attraction to close for first time in 129 years due to new restrictions
Stockholm attraction to close for first time in 129 years due to new restrictions
The Skansen open-air museum, which also holds an annual Christmas market, said it would close from 27 November in response to Covid restrictions.
It will be the first time it has shut for 129 years.
"It has been a difficult decision, but based on the current guidelines at the same time a necessary one," Skansen's chief executive said in a statement, adding that he hoped to be able to reopen in the spring.
Sweden's Prime Minister Stefan Lofven announced this week that public gatherings would be limited to eight people from next Tuesday after a surge in infections.
11:56 AMOn safari in Tanzania, the country that tackled Covid with lemon, ginger and prayer
On safari in Tanzania, the country that tackled Covid with lemon, ginger and prayer
Early in the pandemic, President John Magufuli made the controversial decision to ignore lockdowns, leading the country to be dubbed the Sweden of Africa, writes Sarah Marshall.
Herd immunity, however, wasn’t the core motivation; under an authoritarian government, where citizens are compelled to toe the line, it was more a case of following the herd.
Sarah recounts her recent trip to to a Safari camp:
At Asilia’s Sayari camp in the north of the Serengeti National Park, all members of staff wore face coverings. A hand sanitizer station was positioned at the entrance, meals were served individually to allow social distancing, and most guests were fortunate enough to have their own private vehicles. (Passenger numbers have been reduced to a maximum of four, and a lucky few get to game drive solo at no extra cost.)
Even the layout of the revamped camp fits the ‘new safari normal’: spread like an eagle’s outstretched wings, tents extend two sides of a communal area featuring the world’s first craft brewery in the bush. Yes, that’s right, even if pubs are locked down at home – you can still get a pint on tap here.
Many of the seasonal mobile camps that would usually set up along the Mara river have chosen not to open this year, meaning the only crowds I encountered during my stay were dense clusters of wildebeest.
11:42 AMHong Kong, world’s most visited city, faces tourism bust
Hong Kong, world’s most visited city, faces tourism bust
Hundreds of parked tour buses are gathering dust at a northern Hong Kong container port, having been off the road for 10 months since authorities banned non-resident arrivals into the city due to the new coronavirus, Reuters reports.
The area has turned into a “bus cemetery,” said Freddy Yip, president of Hong Kong’s Travel Agent Owners Association. He said the former British colony – which was the world’s leading tourist city destination last year - faces a similar fate at the end of November, when the government ends a wide-ranging wage subsidy programme that has helped about 2 million employees in all types of industries.
The programme was introduced in June and renewed in September, but the Hong Kong government has ruled out an extension beyond the end of November citing the high cost, leaving many tourism-dependent businesses on the brink of collapse, unable to find other revenue sources and unable to pay wages.
About 56 million people visited Hong Kong last year. The city was ranked number one for arrivals globally in 2019 by research company Euromonitor International. Visitor arrivals have been down 96 per cent to 99 per cent year-on-year every month since February, according to government figures.
11:27 AMTravel industry's recovery will be led by younger generation, says report
Travel industry's recovery will be led by younger generation, says report
UK consumer spending is expected to have fallen by £183.6 billion, or 14.9 per cent, due to the Covid-19 induced lockdowns, according to market research firm Mintel's latest report. Details in Mintel's British lifestyle's report, include:
- Over three-quarters of 2020's spending decline relates to the transport, food service and holiday industries
- Consumer spending on these categories will have fallen by £140.1 billion in total during 2020
- These categories should experience the strongest bouncebacks in 2021
- Holidays will get a £19.2 billion boost in 2021, it predicts
- Younger adults will play a significant role in supporting the recovery of the airline industry
Jack Duckett from Mintel, said:
It's the younger generation who'll lead the recovery of travel by plane as 16 to 34-year-olds have been the most confident in booking flights since Covid-19 hit: 25 per cent in this age group would feel somewhat or extremely comfortable taking a flight, compared to only 14 per cent of over-55s.
Airlines and public transport are among the sectors worst affected by Covid-19 and will be among the last to fully recover.
11:15 AM'Broad parameters' to UK-wide Christmas travel agreed this week, says Mark Drakeford
'Broad parameters' to UK-wide Christmas travel agreed this week, says Mark Drakeford
'Broad parameters' to UK-wide travel over Christmas were agreed during a meeting with Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove and leaders of the the devolved administrations this week, with another meeting planned for next week.
Mark Drakeford told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. "We agreed some broad parameters on Wednesday and remitted officials of all four administrations to work now on the detail, so I remain hopeful that it will be possible to reach a four-nation approach to Christmas.
"I certainly think that is the right thing to do - if it is achievable - and certainly Wales will be at the table next week looking to find an agreement."
Mr Drakeford said an agreement on permitting travel across the UK during the Christmas season was "top of the list of things to agree", even if a wider agreement was not possible.
11:06 AMWhy Rwanda desperately needs tourists, and how to get there
Why Rwanda desperately needs tourists, and how to get there
In a country where residents obediently participate in a monthly national litter clean-up, it’s hardly surprising the pandemic has been kept under control in Rwanda, writes Sarah Marshall.
What’s more astonishing is the amount of time it’s taken the UK government to grant the efficient, carefully managed East African nation an air corridor. That finally came to fruition last night with the announcement that from 4am on November 21, British travellers will no longer have to quarantine on their return.
When I visited Rwanda a few weeks ago, I was impressed by the safety checks and protocols in place: a dual testing system, with one negative PCR test required 120 hours before arriving and another taken when passengers land, has allowed borders to safely reopen to international tourism. Mr Shapps, take note.
Swiftly transported to my hotel, the five-star Kigali Serena, I had my second test done on site. Costing US$60, it was a third of the price charged for tests in the UK and far less painful – a simple swab in the cheeks rather than having a stick thrust up your nose.
After self-isolating until my results arrived (about eight hours; although it’s recommended to set aside 24), I set off to Volcanoes National Park, passing women in batik wraps balancing baskets on their heads and men wobbling uphill on bicycles with bulging sacks of potatoes or, daringly, wardrobes strapped to their backs. City or countryside, they all had one thing in common: everyone was wearing masks – obeying a law in place since April.
10:51 AMCovid-19 testing site will open at Gatwick this month
Covid-19 testing site will open at Gatwick this month
A Covid-19 test centre will open at Gatwick on November 30, providing an alternative means of securing rapid PCR tests ahead of the Christmas period –however, while the test site hopes for "next day" confirmation, but there is no guarantee of when results will be delivered.
Passengers, Gatwick staff and the general public will be eligible to use the rapid lab-analysed PCR swap testing service at the site, which will be located in the airport's South Terminal long stay car park. There will be a subsidised rate of £60 for passengers and staff, while others will pay £99. A group discount will also be offered, with up to 30 per cent off for groups of four or more, for those who are having the full priced test.
The site could also fulfill the requirements of the government’s proposed “test and release” post-arrival scheme that could enable travellers to reduce quarantine time required after arriving in the UK from high-risk destinations.
Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate said: "Reducing the spread of Covid-19 is a priority for us alongside giving confidence to so many people who have missed travelling during this difficult year."
10:39 AMSouth Australia to Lift Lockdown Early
South Australia to Lift Lockdown Early
South Australia will lift its lockdown early and immediately allow outdoor exercise, amid early signs its cluster of Covid-19 infections is being contained.
The original six-day lockdown that began Thursday will end at midnight Saturday, Premier Steven Marshall told reporters. The ban on exercise and even dog-walking had made the state’s measures among the strictest in the world.
10:31 AMSafari industry needs travel corridors for regional hubs, such as South Africa and Kenya
Safari industry needs travel corridors for regional hubs, such as South Africa and Kenya
Rwanda and Namibia have been given travel corridors with the UK, effective from 4am Saturday. However, most of African remains on the quarantine list, which means there is little benefit to the hard-hit safari industry.
Laura Burdett-Munns, managing director of luxury travel company Africa Exclusive & Journeysmiths, said:
It is great to see African countries added to the travel corridor list. We hope that this announcement is the beginning of more positive news from the UK Government for the African travel industry.
While we are excited to see Namibia and Rwanda added to the travel corridor list, there are no direct flights from the UK into either country, so the positive impact on the safari industry will be minimal until regional hubs like Kenya and South Africa are added.
10:19 AMAmericans urged to stay home for Thanksgiving
Americans urged to stay home for Thanksgiving
US authorities have urged Americans not to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday as virus cases soared in the worst-hit nation.
America was hit by a spike of over 200,000 new infections and 2,239 fatalities – the worst death toll since May –over the past 24 hours, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University.
The recent surge in US cases has sufficiently alarmed authorities that they asked Americans to stay home for next week's Thanksgiving holiday, which normally sees millions travel to gather with their families for meals - ideal conditions for virus spread.
"It's not a requirement. It's a strong recommendation," Henry Walke, a US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention doctor, told reporters.
Thanksgiving is the busiest US holiday in terms of travel, as it falls on a Thursday and many Americans take the Friday off work and make a long weekend of it.
10:12 AMRyanair extends flight change fee waiver
Ryanair extends flight change fee waiver
The low-cost airlines will extend its waiver for flight change fees for another two months, in a bid to provide flexibility and restore the customer confidence.
Travellers who book in December 2020 and January 2021 can change their flights up to seven days before departure for any date up to September 30.
Dara Brady, Ryanair's director of marketing and digital said: "Plans change, so in order to provide as much flexibility and confidence as possible for our customers, we have extended the waiving of our flight change fee for all December and January bookings.
"Customers can book trips for Christmas, Easter and the summer with confidence knowing that if they need to postpone their travel plans, they can move with zero change fee."
10:04 AMCalifornia imposes 10pm curfew
California imposes 10pm curfew
California's governor on Thursday ordered a curfew placed on all indoor social gatherings and non-essential activities outside the home across most of the state in a major escalation of measures to curb an alarming surge in coronavirus infections.
The limited stay-at-home restrictions will go into effect from 10pm until 5am each day, starting on Saturday night and ending on December 21, covering 41 counties representing over 94 per cent of the state's population
"The virus is spreading at a pace we haven't seen since the start of this pandemic, and the next several days and weeks will be critical to stop the surge," Governor Gavin Newsom said.
He said the restriction is essentially the same as California's first-in-the-nation statewide stay-at-home order that was imposed in March, except it applies only during the designated curfew hours rather than around the clock.
09:57 AMScotland braces for new restrictions, including travel ban for high-risk areas
Scotland braces for new restrictions, including travel ban for high-risk areas
The toughest coronavirus restrictions in Scotland will be imposed on 11 council areas as of 6pm tonight.
Earlier this week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the "unpalatable but necessary" step of moving parts of west and central Scotland from Level 3 to Level 4 for three weeks due to "stubbornly and worryingly high" infection rates.
It means non-essential shops, hospitality, gyms and beauty salons will be among the businesses forced to close in these areas until December 11.
The areas moving to Level 4 are Glasgow, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, Stirling and West Lothian.
A ban on people in Level 3 and Level 4 areas travelling outside of their council boundaries for non-essential purposes will come into law with reminders issued that public transport must not be used unless essential.
09:53 AMUruguay’s travel corridor 'step in right direction' for tourism recovery
Uruguay’s travel corridor 'step in right direction' for tourism recovery
UK travellers may not be able to visit Uruguay at the moment, but the addition of another Latin American country to the travel corridors list is a positive move for the region's tourism industry, according to the Latin American Travel Association (LATA).
Danny Callaghan, chief executive of LATA, said:
Uruguay’s addition to the UK travel corridors list is another big step in the right direction for Latin America’s tourism recovery with Chile having made the list in the British government’s announcement last week.
I hasten to add that, while Uruguay has been added to the UK travel corridor’s list, at present there are restrictions in place for non-Uruguayan nationals or non-legal residents entering the country. As always, we advise travellers to consult their tour operator and the FCDO travel advice before travelling to any Latin American destination.
While travel to Uruguay may not be a reality straight away, this news highlights the nation’s excellent management of the coronavirus pandemic and reinforces the perception of Latin America as a safe and secure visitor destination. Uruguay was also included in the European Union’s list of safe countries back in June which demonstrates that the country has continually managed the pandemic in an effective manner.
There are at present no direct flights to Uruguay from the UK however it is important to note that Uruguay is a piece of a much larger puzzle. LATA is delighted to see this trend towards Latin American destinations being deemed safe by the British authorities and hopes for the trend to continue. We highlighted last week that many other destinations in Latin America have similar and, indeed in some cases, lower infection rates than Uruguay and Chile so we remain confident that we will see more countries joining the list.
News such as this instils great confidence in us and our members that a recovery is on the horizon and that we will once again be able to welcome British tourists in 2021 after what has been a torrid year for the global travel industry.
09:38 AMCan I visit the other new travel corridor destinations?
Can I visit the other new travel corridor destinations?
Uruguay
No. Only Uruguayan nationals and legal residents are allowed to enter Uruguay at present.
Sri Lanka
No. Entry to Sri Lanka is currently prohibited for all non-nationals.
Israel
No. Foreign nationals are not permitted to enter unless they are citizens or residents of Israel.
US Virgin Islands
No. The Caribbean islands can only be reached via the US, which is not open to British tourists (even transiting air passengers).
Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba
No. The borders of Bonaire and Saba are currently not open to British nationals for non-essential travel.
North Mariana Islands
No. There are currently no flight options.
09:34 AMHow about Namibia?
How about Namibia?
British travellers would be allowed in, but there are no direct flights. A non-stop service used to operate between Doha and Windhoek, but appears to have been suspended, so there are currently no options that avoid a quarantine.
Airports are open as well as sea ports and some land borders. Any person entering Namibia must present proof of a negative Covid-19 test on arrival. If the negative result is less than 72 hours old, there is no quarantine requirement.
If the negative result is older than 72 hours but less than seven days, then you will need to quarantine for seven days – quarantine may be at home or in an approved tourist facility.
09:30 AMCan I visit Rwanda?
Can I visit Rwanda?
We've established that this is the only new travel corridor country that Britons can visit. But what are the rules for arrivals?
Kigali International Airport is open, although land borders remain closed except to returning Rwandan citizens and legal residents. All arrivals must present a negative Covid-19 PCR test result taken within 120 hours of departure.
You will then be required to quarantine at a designated hotel for 24 hours whilst awaiting results of a second Covid-19 test, conducted on arrival. There are no direct flights from the UK, however, so for a quarantine-free break you’ll need to travel via another travel corridor destination. Dubai, added to the green list last week, is your best bet.
09:06 AMWhat happened yesterday?
What happened yesterday?
The main headlines from Thursday:
- Eight new travel corridors have been announced
- No countries have been removed from the green list
- The Global Travel Taskforce has delayed its announcement on testing for travellers until next week
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Virgin has launched tickets that 'guarantee' a quarantine-free Caribbean holiday
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The 737 MAX is returning to the sky – but most Telegraph readers would avoid flying on one
Now onto today's news.
