Flight and domestic bookings hit as Covid impact continues

Meanwhile, an ex-Thomas Cook executive has a novel plan for a sleeper train, and there is sad news about a Hong Kong landmark.

Here are the key national press headlines concerning travel on Tuesday 21 June.

Scrapping flights to cost easyJet ‘£200 million’

EasyJet is scrapping thousands of services over the summer in “pre-emptive action” that analysts estimate could cost the budget airline up to £200 million. EasyJet said it was “proactively consolidating” flights over the next few months at airports most affected by staff shortages, including its key operations at Gatwick and Schiphol. (The Times)

Scottish tourism faces tough summer

Scottish tourism companies face a “challenging” summer with low levels of bookings, soaring costs and problems in getting staff. A survey by the Scottish Tourism Alliance found 50% of respondents had fewer than normal bookings for the June to August period compared with 2019. Companies believe the cost-of-living crisis means people are taking fewer holidays or booking shorter periods. (The Times)

Ex-Thomas Cook exec plans sleeper train wedding parties

Wedding parties may soon be travelling to the Highlands on the Caledonian Sleeper under plans being considered by the rail service’s new boss Kathryn Darbandi. The proposal would involve trains being used on Saturday nights when they are not in passenger service. Darbandi, who became managing director last year, said the idea followed a woman booking most of a Sleeper service for a 50th birthday last year. (The Times)

Hong Kong’s floating restaurant sinks

A famous Hong Kong landmark has sunk days after it was towed away from the harbour where it operated for nearly 50 years. The Jumbo restaurant capsized in the South China Sea while on its way to an undisclosed location. The restaurant closed in March 2020 as the Covid-19 pandemic hit. More than three million guests are believed to have eaten there, including the Queen. (BBC News)

‘Wee in the sea and risk a fine’, says Spanish city

Beachgoers caught short while having a swim could be landed with a fine of hundreds of pounds after a local council introduced a strict ban. The city of Vigo in Galicia, Spain, wants to end the practice of urinating in the sea by imposing a €750 (£645) penalty. (The Times)