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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
World
Sophie McCoid

TUI announces new all inclusive hotel holiday rules with pool changes

TUI have announced big changes to their hotels, which will completely change all inclusive holidays.

The holiday giant is set to scrap buffets, with food and drinks instead served by staff wearing protective masks.

Entertainment at TUI hotels will also be modified, with "only events, sports and entertainments involving a small number of participants and without close contact being made available" such as tennis or golf, with no football allowed.

Rooms would be deep cleaned after each guest had stayed there, with special attention paid to areas such as the bathroom and the TV remote control.

Tourists would be encouraged to check-in at the hotel online and there would be strict social distancing in force.

In public areas such as restaurants, corridors or gyms, all employees will be required to keep a distance of 1.5 to two metres between them and the guests.

Pool opening times would also be restricted to only allow a certain number of people in at a time.

Capacities in hotel restaurants would be reduced, with tables 1.5m apart and opening hours would be extended.

TUI says the new standards will be implemented at its Tui Blu, Robinson and Tui Magic Life resorts as well as its joint venture and partner hotels.

It says that the 10-point plan is "part of a more comprehensive package of measures that cover all of the tour operator's service components, from retail, flights and transfers to hotel stays, local excursions and cruises."

Sebastian Ebel, the member of Tui's group executive board responsible for holiday experiences, said: "Customer surveys clearly indicate that safety and hygiene will be of paramount importance for holidaymakers after the lockdown.

"With our group-wide, integrated health and safety management system, we can ensure that our hotels meet guests' high expectations and offer the best possible protection against infections during these unusual times.

"We are laying the foundations for an agile and safe return to business so we can be ready to offer our unique holiday experiences again as soon as possible.

The change in rules comes after Health Secretary Matt Hancock said summer holidays this year "were unlikely" to happen.

He said: "It's unlikely that big, lavish international holidays are going to be possible this summer.

"I just think that's a reality of life."

However TUI appears to be doing everything to ensure holidaygoers can get some summer sun this year.

The airline remain optimistic about the future of holidays, with hopes to relaunch its schedule after June 12.

Tui planes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson has put the UK in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. (Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

A spokesperson said: "Our holidays departing after June 12 2020 are currently due to operate as planned.

"It’s also reassuring for customers to know that all of our package holidays are ATOL protected, so travellers can book their future holidays with confidence.

"If the holiday needs to be cancelled down the track, they will be offered the option to either receive a refund credit with a bonus incentive or a cash refund."

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