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Second country in the world in receiving tourists and also a major exporter of travelers. In 2019, almost 84 million visitors came to Spain and the Spanish made 20 million trips abroad, according to data from the Statistical Institute (INE). In the 2019 summer break alone, 7.3 million departures were made. An international tourism that, now, does not know when it can be reactivated .

With no plans on the horizon (or clear rules to help you figure out when you can pack your bags), signature travel agencies unite to save the sector with the #Locosporviajar initiative . "We want to be heard so as not to disappear," explains Juan del Hoyo, spokesman for the group, which encompasses 22 agencies throughout Spain.

Aid claim

They are crazy about (re) traveling. But they do not know when, so they have decided to join forces so that their voices are heard. "We are half of the dean agencies," says the representative. "We offer a very similar product, our own. We create it. We are not a mere intermediary."

Together, they organized 450,000 excursions last year, employ 545 workers (currently 90% in an ERTE force majeure) and refuse to disappear. "Now the sector does not exist. We have been with zero sales for almost three months , we are not lucky enough to be a hairdresser by appointment. We do not have a forecast nor do we know when we will be able to operate, " regrets the group's spokesperson.

Panoramic of Sydney, with the Opera in the first place.

They ask the government for aid. " We need to continue with force majeure Ertes until necessary, not until June 30. We have all business closed and it is impossible to keep the workforce." They also require direct support. "For example, there is an urgent need for aid to the promotion . That they encourage airlines to come to Spain. And not like now that they require 14 days of quarantine for anyone who steps on national territory [an obligation that will be canceled on July 1]. Yes, At the moment, nobody can enter, how are we going to be able to travel abroad? We also ask for direct help for the rental of the premises, "he claims.

Author travel guaranteed

Furthermore, the initiative aims to raise awareness among its customers . "With many trips canceled, we ask that they be postponed or that we give them a voucher. That way they give us a break. The money from that trip we no longer have. It has been invested in local tourism companies for a long time ," explains the spokesman for this. group. Agencies pay tickets one year in advance to see Uganda gorillas. "Or if we reserve a place on the exclusive Alaska cruise, with only two departures a year, or the End of the World cruise, a deposit must be made months in advance," he justifies.

With no income in these two and a half months of alarm, Del Hoyo says that the sector has worked hard to repatriate its clients . "We have not stopped answering the phone and have brought everyone back."

The spokesperson for the group of agencies takes stock. With a lost summer campaign, he expects the sector to recover 30% of travelers in the last quarter , "would be great news", and Easter 2021 "with a minimum of success".

To the "author" itineraries, with knowledge on the ground, ethical tourist activities, to protect the communities that are visited, Del Hoyo adds other advantages when hiring an agency package: "The fundamental thing is that your money will always be Guaranteed. We have a public guarantee and if any of the businesses closes, that guarantee is there . It is the security that your investment is protected. In addition, we have civil liability and travel insurance, as well as cancellation if you want to be calmer, "he confirms.

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