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2020: General Discussion

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My comment was directed at airlines specifically. With our government shelling out to fly Thomas Cook customers home, talks of pumping money into Flybe to keep it afloat (though that didn't materialise in the end), and now Virgin Atlantic asking the government for a bailout while telling their staff to take unpaid leave - despite the wealth of Richard Branson. It frustrates me to see them run until the last minute, continuing to take customer's money when they're on the verge of collapse. I'd rather see the cash invested in the railways, reducing the need to fly in the first place.

Small businesses absolutely they need help from the government to ensure they can continue to pay their staff during this crisis.

@Mikw I would look at other policies such as restricting private/first class travel and look into a frequent flyer levy to ensure you can still have the occasional trip abroad while those who (for example) commute between London and Aberdeen every week are severely taxed. (but that's a conversation for another day!)
 
Squiggs said:
I think we're about to discover just how many companies across the board are run in a sustainable fashion and I'm not sure it's going to be a pretty sight.
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Agreed. If one of the previous posters is right about councils not having 'adequate' insurance then it could get pretty interesting

Thanks @jon81uk for the Disney Info. Yes, it's not quite as rosy as first seems. Maybe in light of this there will be some changes for employment laws.
People shouldn't loose money because they can't go to work.
 
Ethan said:
Idk how we're even debating if towers will be open this weekend. Quite simply, it won't be. Towers won't open until at least 4th april I say
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According to Sky News the restrictions announced today will last until a vaccine is produced - so 18 months or more.
 
Croftybaby said:
Agreed. If one of the previous posters is right about councils not having 'adequate' insurance then it could get pretty interesting

Thanks @jon81uk for the Disney Info. Yes, it's not quite as rosy as first seems. Maybe in light of this there will be some changes for employment laws.
People shouldn't loose money because they can't go to work.
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Suddenly socialism increases in popularity around the world... :)
 
Was just curious if you could still make a hotel booking.

So I did a quick ‘test booking’ and every date is now saying

“Sorry, our resort hotels are currently unavailable

This means we're unable to make or amend any resort bookings online or via the phone.

If you would like one of our Guest Experience team to contact you when our resort hotels are available then please leave your details here.”

so it’s almost certain Towers will announce closure of the resort, when they do, I don’t know but I’d assume some point today...
 
I have a reservation in Secret Garden but the form to cancel it doesn't seem to work. It just goes back to the same form. I'll probably have to email them, but wondering if anyone else is experiencing the same issue?
 
RobH said:
Was just curious if you could still make a hotel booking.

So I did a quick ‘test booking’ and every date is now saying

“Sorry, our resort hotels are currently unavailable

This means we're unable to make or amend any resort bookings online or via the phone.

If you would like one of our Guest Experience team to contact you when our resort hotels are available then please leave your details here.”

so it’s almost certain Towers will announce closure of the resort, when they do, I don’t know but I’d assume some point today...
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must have been an issue, tried booking for Saturday for 2 nights and it was possible to book.
 
An update from the park:

“Updated 10:15am 17/3/20]
Tuesday March 17th: Alton Towers Resort is continuing to monitor the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and is aware of the recent announcement on Monday 16th March from the Government.

We are currently reviewing our policies and procedures to meet the guidelines outlined. The health and wellbeing of our guests and staff continues to be our top priority and as always, we will take all necessary precautions to ensure their continued welfare.”

I would expect that a closure announcement for all Merlin UK parks will come at the same time at some point very soon.
 
AT86 said:
An update from the park:

“Updated 10:15am 17/3/20]
Tuesday March 17th: Alton Towers Resort is continuing to monitor the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and is aware of the recent announcement on Monday 16th March from the Government.

We are currently reviewing our policies and procedures to meet the guidelines outlined. The health and wellbeing of our guests and staff continues to be our top priority and as always, we will take all necessary precautions to ensure their continued welfare.”

I would expect that a closure announcement for all Merlin UK parks will come at the same time at some point very soon.
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Well from that it seems they are trying to do everything to make sure they're open
 
I get the feeling that they want to hold off a closure until they have some sort of assurances that they will be able to make an insurance claim, or that there is other money available from the Government to cover some costs. There is an update from the Chancellor later today that is expected to cover the travel and leisure industries, that will no doubt be key for Merlin.
 
Merlin are becoming one of the last to make a decision on this, I am very surprised even their London midways remain open and they haven’t relaxed the rules on refunds/re-booking. Who wants to be stuck for 35mins in a pod on the Eye or for 2hrs herded round the Dungeons with 50 other people? They won’t give you your money back if you have booked though!

Odeon, Cineworld, now Center Parcs have announced they are closed/closing.

About time they just announced it and allowed people to rearrange their bookings etc.
 
I think they're basically going to keep open until they're told they're not allowed at this point. I do think if that's the case, they can at least offer refunds to those that don't want to risk it. But I guess that's business for you...
 
The Cardinal said:
I think they're basically going to keep open until they're told they're not allowed at this point. I do think if that's the case, they can at least offer refunds to those that don't want to risk it. But I guess that's business for you...
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I did see some people on the official Facebook page say they had got refunds, so they may be able to help if you phone them up
 
Wow; as much as I admire their resilience, I must admit that I'm staggered that they're still allowed to open considering the advice put into place by the government. I'm wondering how long they will be allowed to open for...
 
AT86 said:
Astonishingly they are planning to stay open:

https://www.altontowers.com/plan-your-visit/coronavirus/

Tickets up to 1st May can be used later in the season. They haven’t addressed the info for short breaks as to if you can get a refund, you just have to call and speak to them.
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Absolutely irresponsible of Merlin, they know they can’t provide a safe environment so why risk staff & the public.

It’s not surprising at all that they have taken this stance as £££ is all they value
 
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