The South West travel industry has reacted with relief after the Government scrapped quarantine rules for fully vaccinated holidaymakers.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said children and fully vaccinated adults will not have to quarantine on their return to England from “amber” list countries from July 19.
Plymouth travel consultant Karen Thornton said the announcement was “a massive step in the right direction” for the beleaguered industry which will now aim to reopen and return to pre-Covid levels.
Mrs Thornton, an independent travel planner with Travel Counsellors, said: “Here at Travel Counsellors holiday bookings were already up 10% and we are expecting a busy weekend ahead now the news has been confirmed.
“So many have been desperate to travel but have been anxious to commit given previous uncertainty, but this much needed clarity will give Britons the confidence they were looking for to book a summer break.”
But she added: “Travelling is still complicated and guidance is needed as we are still restricted by outbound requirements.”
Mrs Thornton, who began her business three weeks before the 2020 lockdown, said: “Over the last few months I’ve supported customers and non-customers alike with advice and guidance to rebook and be refunded for their travel plans, and will continue to do so.”
Airlines also welcomed the changes, which the Transport Secretary said “may differ” in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.Heathrow boss John Holland-Kaye said: “This is excellent news that will give a much-needed boost to millions of people across Britain looking forward to a more normal summer and reuniting with family and friends abroad.”
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Tim Alderslade, chief executive of the Airlines 海角视频 industry body, welcomed the announcement as a “positive move towards the genuine reopening” for the ailing sector.
“The summer season essentially starts here,” he added.
While the announcement is for 海角视频 residents only, Mr Shapps said ministers are “working to extend our approach to vaccinated passengers from important markets of holiday destinations later this summer such as the United States and the EU”.
Joss Croft, chief executive of 海角视频inbound said, “Whilst this may be welcome news for Brits travelling overseas this summer, this decision does nothing for the 海角视频’s inbound visitor economy.
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Business Live's South West Business Reporter is William Telford. William has more than a decade's experience reporting on the business scene in Plymouth and the South West. He is based in Plymouth but covers the entire region.
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“By keeping Britain closed, we are losing £70m a day in exports, businesses are on the brink, our cities remain empty and viable businesses are prevented from even beginning their recovery.”
Hannah Essex, British Chambers of Commerce co-Executive director, said: “Opening up amber list countries to quarantine-free travel to England for returning fully vaccinated residents is a decision that will be warmly welcomed by many businesses.
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“But Government must also continue to work with businesses, the aviation industry and international partners to uncover other solutions to further expand international travel quickly and safely, for example through better use of testing and vaccine passports.”
Matthew Fell, CBI chief 海角视频 policy director, said the Government announcement was “hugely welcome news for the international travel sector” but called for clear guidance on how new rules will work.
He said: “A truly risk-based approach to the Government’s traffic light system with the aim of adding to the green list countries as soon as possible, alongside reducing passenger testing requirements and greater transparency, will also be crucial.”