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Travel firms hail scrapping of Covid travel tests
The travel industry welcomed the removal of the final testing measures for the fully-vaccinated as a ‘major step’ for a meaningful recovery.
All fully-vaccinated arrivals to England will no longer have to take Covid tests.
The new rule is effective from 11 February, in time for the half-term holidays.
"The announcement this afternoon is positive news for the travel industry and will further increase consumer confidence around international travel," said Alistair Rowland, CEO of long-haul tour operator, Blue Bay Travel.
"We expect this news to give bookings a further boost."
Scotland has also agreed the change with other home nations expected to follow.
"After an increasingly positive January, this could be just the boost that would-be holidaymakers need to make a booking and get away in the February half term, and demand for the likes of Spain and Dubai will only continue to grow," said Ailsa Pollard, CEO – dnata Travel Group (UK & Europe).
"Travellers can once more trust they can enjoy the many benefits of getting away again without hassles or interruption."
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said it would save families about £100 on holidays abroad, and give the travel industry a much-needed boost.
However, inbound tour operators ‘are not out of the woods yet ‘says Joss Croft, CEO, UKinbound.
"For the first time in almost two years, inbound tourism businesses can start trading their way to recovery. Inbound tourism businesses are counting the cost of survival. To bolster recovery, we need Government to put in place targeted support which will bolster demand."
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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