Irish Travel Agents Association Issues Updated Advice for Holidaymakers Travelling to Areas Affected by Wildfires in Europe
The Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) is advising Irish holidaymakers travelling to destinations affected by ongoing wildfires in parts of southern Europe to remain vigilant, follow the guidance of local authorities and stay informed before and throughout their trip.
With wildfires impacting parts of Spain, Portugal, France, Greece and other Mediterranean regions, some travellers may experience localised disruption, including road closures, transport delays and, in some cases, evacuations. However, the ITAA stresses that the vast majority of airports, resorts and tourist areas remain open and continue to operate as normal.
The ITAA is encouraging travellers to remain flexible and to monitor official advice throughout their holiday.
The ITAA advises travellers to:
- Monitor local news and follow all instructions issued by local authorities, emergency services, accommodation providers and tour representatives.
- Check the latest travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie/travel before departure and while overseas. Citizens can also register their stay abroad at https://citizensregistration.dfa.ie/so that they can be contacted by the Irish Embassy if there is an unforeseen crisis.
- Keep your mobile phone charged, switched on and roaming enabled so you can receive emergency alerts from local authorities.
- Contact your tour operator or travel agent if your destination is affected or if you require assistance with alternative travel arrangements.
- Take out Travel Insurance at time of booking and ensure your travel insurance provides appropriate cover, including travel disruption, and familiarise yourself with your policy before travelling.
- Keep passports, medication, travel documents, money and essential belongings easily accessible in case you need to leave your accommodation quickly. Only do so if it is safe and you have been instructed to evacuate.
- Avoid travelling into areas where wildfires are active or where emergency services have restricted access.
- Follow official road closures and evacuation routes and never attempt to enter restricted areas or use unapproved routes.
Clare Dunne, CEO of the ITAA, said, “Wildfires are unfortunately becoming a more common feature of the summer season in parts of Europe, and while they can develop rapidly, the impact is often confined to specific areas. The vast majority of Irish holidaymakers will continue to travel and enjoy their holidays safely.”
“Our advice is to stay informed, follow the guidance of local authorities and your accommodation provider, and contact your travel agent or tour operator if your travel plans are affected. Travel agents are well placed to support customers before and during their trip and can assist with alternative arrangements where necessary. We also remind travellers of the importance of having appropriate travel insurance and understanding exactly what their policy covers before they travel.”
The ITAA emphasises that, despite the current wildfire activity in parts of Europe, disruption remains largely localised and most airports, resorts and tourism services continue to operate as normal. Travellers should not assume an entire country or destination is affected but should instead rely on official travel advice and updates from their travel provider.
ENDS
About the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA):
The ITAA represents Ireland’s travel Industry, bringing together 100 travel agent members and 70 partners. ITAA members cover over 140 outlets in different towns and cities throughout the Republic of Ireland. All travel agent members are licensed and bonded with the IAA (Irish Aviation Authority) to trade in the Republic of Ireland.
For information, please contact:
Kathryn Byrne, Limelight Communications,
kathryn.byrne@limelight.ie, (085) 233 6033 or (01) 668 0600