A SILSDEN travel agent is backing a national campaign aimed at saving the industry from the ravages of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Destination, in Kirkgate, has pledged its support to the ABTA #SaveFutureTravel initiative – through which the travel sector is raising awareness of help needed to offset the impact of the crisis.

“We have certainly found Covid-19 a huge challenge," said Shevaun Joy, who jointly owns Destination with Lisa Manditsch.

"We've taken advantage of the furlough scheme for our staff – and that has helped – and we did qualify for a grant back in March which also assisted.

"The impact on the travel industry has been huge. What we are looking for from the Government is tailored support to enable us to work together to move the industry forward, through these challenging times and the winter season.

"We are fortunate to have many forward bookings for next year.

"The ABTA #SaveFutureTravel campaign is about raising awareness of the support needed for our beloved industry – we need regionalised quarantine and faster testing measures to get the world travelling."

Luke Petherbridge, ABTA’s director of public affairs, said: "MPs need to understand that travel is not only viable as a sector but also invaluable to the economic recovery of the country – and it is critical that the Government does all it can to help businesses and protect jobs.”