British travel industry welcomes Greece bailout

The British travel industry reacted positively today to news of the bailout package agreed for debt-laden Greece. Eurozone leaders agreed a new deal worth 109 billion euro (£95.9 billion) with a lower interest rate and more time to pay it off.

Eurozone leaders agreed a new deal worth 109 billion euro (£95.9 billion) with a lower interest rate and more time to pay it off.

A spokesman for Abta, the British travel association, said that if the bailout package helped to bring stability to the Greek economy it would be good for the country's tourist industry, and British tour operators who send customers to the country.

"Their tourist industry is of fundamental importance as one of the key providers of employment in the country," he said.

"Bookings to Greece are up on last year. Images of demonstrations in Athens did have a negative impact, but tourist resorts were unaffected by the protests."

One travel expert warned that holidaymakers should plan carefully before heading for Greece despite the bailout package.

They should check with insurance companies that they are covered in the event of anything going wrong, said Rochelle Turner, head of research for Which? Travel.

"If insurance companies feel that something has been going on for a long time, it becomes a 'known event' - people need to check whether they will be covered if they can't get to hotels because of a strike," she said.

Cruise companies had been finding trouble getting taxi drivers to take their travellers off the ship, she said, while backpackers had found they could not get ferries because they were on strike.

"If you can find a little beach holiday that is somehow untouched, you could still have a nice holiday - but for some people, there will be disruption," she added.

Malcolm Tarling, spokesman for the Association of British Insurers, said: "Travel insurance is designed to cover you for unexpected, unforeseen events, as set out in the policy, so it makes sense to always double-check your terms and conditions before you travel.

"If you have any doubt, talk to your travel insurance provider."

PA