Bungled test-to-release scheme causing acute confusion, WTTC warns

Tuesday, 17 Dec, 2020 0

The UK’s bungled test-to-release scheme is hindering rather than helping travellers and is not fit for purpose, the World Travel and Tourism Council has warned.

In another damning assessment of the government’s handling of the scheme, WTTC Chief Executive and President Gloria Guevara said far from easing travel, it is causing yet more confusion for exasperated travellers.

"We question whether, as it stands, it is fit for purpose," Guevara said.

The test-to-release scheme got off to a shambolic start on Tuesday when most of the 11 firms approved by the government were unable to offer testing services.

Within hours of the launch, several firms on the government’s list of approved test providers had stopped offering any new appointments.

Guevara said: "Holidaymakers must have easy access to the list of private testing firms and be certain that they will actually get their results in time.

"Travellers need clear and concise information so they fully understand the process they need to follow in order to take themselves out of quarantine.

"All of this information should be available via the NHS app or other clear mechanisms, otherwise it is just adding to the confusion and travel will stall before it restarts."

She said tests need to be ‘quick, more affordable and accessible’, and should be available through the NHS, not just through ‘expensive third-party suppliers’.

"Testing travellers is the solution to restarting international travel while avoiding exporting the virus. It ensures only infected people are isolated and will enable mobility in a responsible way.

"Other countries have shown it can be done by introducing testing schemes which are both quick and cost-effective and have successfully kick-started travel to revive wilting economies.

"Safe and effective test and trace measures will form part of the essential toolkit which allows the return of safe travels with ease and confidence across international borders.

"However, the current test -to-release scheme in place in England is already causing acute confusion among the public, and there is an urgent need to ensure that it works for the very people it’s meant to help."