The new hygiene rules, including the mandatory use of masks or face coverings, except when eating or swimming, by visitors aged two and over at Disney World when it reopens in mid- July would “significantly impact the holiday experience” for customers, says TUI, Europe’s biggest travel and tourism company, which has cancelled all holidays from the UK to Florida until December.

TUI said it “commits to only operating holidays where it’s able to guarantee an enjoyable, relaxing and safe holiday without significant changes at their destination.”

Customers are being offered alternatives, including delaying their trip until next year, changing their destination or getting a full refund.

Meanwhile Disney World Resort plans to partially re-open on July 15th, but more than 11,000 people have signed a petition calling for a delay due to the recent increase in the number of reported coronavirus cases in Florida.

RIU
The RIU chain is preparing for the summer season by reopening 54 hotels in 16 countries following the suspension of tourism due to COVID-19. The hotel company gradually began restarting its operations in some of its locations at the end of May, but it is now kicking off the summer season by giving customers the choice of more than 50 hotels, along with a lot of hard work and hope that international tourism will return to normality.

For the peace of mind of its guests and staff, RIU is implementing strict safety and cleaning protocols, and it trusts that customers will choose to enjoy their holidays again in their favourite destinations. In Spain, the chain has reopened 20 hotels and is welcoming its first national and international customers in all the destinations where it has a presence. The latest hotels to announce their reopening are: Riu Vistamar on 3 July and Riu Palace Oasis on 10 July, both in Gran Canaria, while in Mallorca Riu Playa Park and Riu Festival are opening on 12 and 19 July respectively. In the Algarve in Portugal, tourists are already enjoying the Riu Guarana and, on 4 July, Riu Palace Madeira will also open.

Maine
Maine innkeepers and hoteliers are opening their doors to out-of-state tourists on Friday for those who’ve either tested negative for the coronavirus or are willing to quarantine for 14 days. But many say visitors are cancelling over the measures. Greg Dugal, spokesman for HospitalityMaine, said a survey of 51 testing locations between Maine and Virginia revealed only four locations where someone could get tested and get results within 72 hours or arriving in Maine. “There’s not enough availability for tests,” Dugal said. A panel that’s tasked with assisting with the recovery of the state’s tourism industry is recommending easing the testing and quarantine requirements. The requirements apply to all states except New Hampshire and Vermont.

Texas
Republican Gov. Greg Abbott shut down bars in Texas again Friday and scaled back restaurant dining, the most dramatic reversals yet as confirmed coronavirus cases surge. Abbott also says rafting and tubing outfitters on Texas’ popular rivers must close and outdoor gatherings of 100 people or more must be approved by local governments.

“At this time, it is clear that the rise in cases is largely driven by certain types of activities, including Texans congregating in bars,” Abbott said. “The actions in this executive order are essential to our mission to swiftly contain this virus and protect public health.”

Texas has reported more than 17,000 confirmed cases in the last three days with a record high positive tests of 5,996 on Thursday. The day’s tally of 4,739 hospitalizations was also a record. The state’s rolling infection rate hit nearly 12%, a level not seen since the state was in a broad lockdown in mid-April.

Branson, Missouri
A jump in coronavirus cases after many businesses in the Branson area reopened to tourists has health officials concerned. The Health Department encouraged people to wear masks in public after reporting 11 new cases of COVID-19 Saturday. The county’s virus cases jumped to 54 from 15 over the past two weeks, and that total doesn’t include visitors to the area who test positive but are counted in their home counties. The case numbers remain small compared to urban areas of the state, but Branson is a community of less than 12,000 residents in southwest Missouri.

Many of Branson’s businesses have reopened for tourism, including miniature golf courses, shops and restaurants. Many entertainers have returned to their stages around Branson as well. On Friday evening, dozens of people gathered for an outdoor concert at the Branson Landing. That outdoor mall along Lake Taneycomo will also host an Independence Day celebration this week complete with a beer garden, musical acts and fireworks. Residents and visitors have been asked to wear face masks or coverings in public places. But it is not a requirement.