Saga introduces vaccination requirement ahead of anticipated holiday boom

Over-50s insurance and travel specialist Saga is set to introduce a vaccination requirement for its travel customers.

Saga will require customers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before travelling on its holidays and cruises.

The news comes as the firm announced a trading update for the period August 1 to January 25, which showed a slower cash burn than previously expected as well as retention rates in its cruise and tour operations businesses of 69 per cent and 41 per cent respectively.

Euan Sutherland, Saga’s group chief executive officer, commented: “We have made good progress in delivering our new strategy and have accelerated the pace of change at Saga, against the backdrop of the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to our business.

“Insurance remains resilient, while within Travel we are focusing on ensuring the safest possible environment for our guests when cruise and holidays resume, whilst appropriately controlling costs until that time.

“We are confident in our strategy, the strength of our brand and the loyalty and economic resilience of our customers. We know they are ready to travel in great numbers and live their lives to the full as the vaccine programme is rolled out.

“We are excited about the opportunities ahead as we focus on delivering more exceptional experiences for our customers.”