UK government’s green list ‘too cautious’ says WTTC

Friday, 10 May, 2021 0

The World Travel & Tourism Council welcomed the UK government’s ‘green list’ announcement of Covid-safe destinations but described it as a missed opportunity for a transatlantic leisure and business travel rebound.

Putting the US on the green list would have given the industry a vital lifeline, the WTTC said.

Gloria Guevera, President & CEO of World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) said: "We welcome this first initial step by the UK government to begin opening the door to international travel , however, airlines and the wider travel sector will be hugely disappointed that the US, which has a similar vaccination success rate has not been included on the green list."

"The UK is the fourth biggest G20 economy in terms of international travel spend from business travel, which amounted to £7.5 billion in 2019, before the pandemic."

"While we understand that protecting public health should be the priority, the UK is being too cautious and risks losing its hard-won competitive advantage."

Guevera also voiced concern at the high costs of PCR tests in the UK and why tests are even necessary when returning from green list countries.

"We are also disappointed that UK travellers are expected to pay for expensive PCR tests, even when traveling from countries on the green list. This will make foreign holidays totally unaffordable for many families.

"We urge the UK government to work with its providers to offer more cost-effective tests for UK travellers."

TravelMole Editorial Team

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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