Holidaymakers who cancel their holidays over coronavirus fears might not get their money back, experts have warned
According to the Manchester Evening News, The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) said those who have paid for package holidays for later in the summer will have to wait and see if their situation changes.
Yesterday, (9 March), the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advised against all but essential travel to parts of Northern Italy, including Venice, Milan and Parma.
Anyone imminently due to visit these locations have been advised not to and anyone with a package holiday booked should be offered alternative arrangements by their travel provider - or a full refund if there are no other suitable options.
If tour operators refuse to comply, customers might be entitled to compensation under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements 2018 regulations.
Will my summer holiday be cancelled?
A spokesperson for ABTA said "it is too early" to say if holidays booked for the summer will be cancelled or not.
The added: “If you cancel early you may have to pay cancellation charges".
Anyone who has booked flights or accommodation directly should contact their airline and accommodation provider to see what - if any - flexibility they are offering.
Travellers should also check their travel insurance, as their policy may cover cancellation costs for areas where the FCO is advising against all but essential travel.
It's estimated that three million Brits visit Italy every year- but currently, the country is in lockdown.
Around 16 million people in 11 towns – more than a quarter of the Italian population – are currently in a state of lockdown as the number of cases of coronavirus continue to rise.
British nationals are currently able to leave Italy without any restriction.
The FCO said: "British nationals remain able to depart Italy without restriction. Residents of other parts of Italy are permitted to leave the isolation areas to return home.
"Otherwise entry into and exit from these areas is forbidden without official permission on the grounds of strict necessity; the authorities have confirmed to us that this will be granted for reasons such as medical need or work requirements.
"Travellers should check flight details with airlines."
The government recommend anyone returning to the UK from locked-down areas in the last 14 days to stay indoors and avoid contact with other people, even if they don't have any symptoms.
Many flights to Italy have been cancelled as a result of the virus, but some flights will continue to operate between the UK and Italy.
EasyJet said it would be reviewing its flying programme to Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Venice and Verona airports from now until April 3.
“In the short term we will be cancelling a number of flights to and from these destinations on Monday 9 March,” the airline said.
British Airways is also "reviewing" their schedule and have contacted passengers due to travel to or from Northern Italy.
Ryanair said it is not planning to cancel any routes, saying instead: “We are following guidelines issued by the Italian government and the World Health Organisation.”
