The travel industry responds to this morning’s update from Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, on moves to open up international travel:
Virginia Messina, WTTC Senior Vice President, said: “Holidaymakers and the Travel & Tourism sector will breathe a sigh of relief now that quarantine-free holidays have been given the green light by the government for those that have been fully jabbed.
“While it’s a step in the right direction, there is still a long way to go before holidays become truly affordable – and accessible.
“The requirement for PCR tests to return from amber list countries will remain, pricing out many hard-working families from being able to take holidays abroad.
“And though it’s great news for the double jabbed and under-18’s who also are exempt from quarantines, it still leaves more than one in three UK adults who’ve only received a single dose, forced into quarantine when they arrive back in the UK from an amber list country.
“Countries must take a coordinated and harmonised approach and align policies to avoid confusion among holidaymakers who need easy to understand rules and regulations more than ever before.”
Timothy Davis, Co-Founder and CEO of Butter, commented: “Today’s announcement will be warmly welcomed by a travel and tourism industry that has been brought to its knees during the pandemic.
“The need to quarantine and the uncertainty around green and amber list destinations, in particular, has deterred many Brits from looking abroad for their holiday this summer.
“However, the government’s decision to relax these rules for those who have had both of their vaccine jabs should now spur a late flurry of bookings and bring a much needed boost to the industry.”
hoo Co-founder, Adrian Murdock, commented: “It’s great to see some real intent by the government to help revive what has arguably been one of the worst hit sectors during the pandemic.
“Of course, it’s important to remember that a number of rules and requirements remain in place and so those considering a holiday abroad this summer need to ensure they adhere to these in order to travel.”
Statement from Doncaster Sheffield Airport: “Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) welcomes the news today that quarantine restrictions will be lifted for adults arriving back to the UK from amber destinations, provided they have received both doses of a COVID vaccination more than 14 days prior to travelling.
“With the change to come into force from 19th July, coinciding with the UK’s school holidays, and alongside confirmation that children under the age of 18 years are also not required to isolate, this means that many amber list destinations are a viable option for families desperate for a sunny, summer holiday this year.
“DSA already has a number of green and amber list destinations on sale through our airline partners, Wizz and TUI and we will be working closely with them in the coming weeks to ensure we can meet the pent-up demand from those wishing to get up and away this summer or travel to visit friends and family.
“Safety is and always will be of paramount importance at Doncaster Sheffield Airport and stringent procedures are in place to protect our passengers, operators and our colleagues.
“We have partnered with market leader, Randox, on site at DSA to provide passengers with the current tests necessary for international travel.”
