Language travel participants from Germany dropped by some 85% in 2020, figures from the country's tour operator association FDSV have revealed.

Language travel providers have "consistently reduced" booking expectations since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, indicating that the sector "hasn’t turned the corner yet".

Study travel agents are overwhelmingly in support of a student fee protection solution, a FELCA survey has shown, with the agent association now exploring options to boost confidence and trust in the sector.

A survey of agencies and schools in major language learning destinations has revealed that over the summer 2020 period, both were expecting less than a fifth of business when compared with last year.

Bridge Education Group and IH Torquay have both joined a growing number of organisations that are offering free versions of their courses to support the sector during the crisis.

Heads of ELT associations have told The PIE that urgent appeals for government support – and supporting members' shift to online provision and community building – are the new modus operandi during the COVID-19 crisis.

Peer-to-peer homestay platform Lingoo is raising funding in a bid to become "the world's language holiday platform" by expanding to key language markets.

IALC has launched an Approved Agency badge which aims to recognise study abroad agencies working with at least three member schools.