The World Travel & Tourism Council has applauded news of a transatlantic taskforce to discuss reopening flights between the US and UK.
However, a reopening must be swift in order to safeguard jobs at risk and give relief to struggling businesses.
"Unless we have a clear timeline and unlock transatlantic travel by 4 July at the latest, we will continue to see jobs lost and businesses go under," said Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President and Acting CEO, WTTC.
"Nearly half of all adults in both countries are fully-jabbed and could travel seamlessly straight away, enabling airlines and the wider travel sector to recover quickly. Those not vaccinated should be allowed to travel with negative test proof."
"In 2019 the US was the biggest source market for the UK in terms of visitor numbers, the UK was third biggest source market for the US. This shows just how vital a corridor would be in boosting both economies."
These sentiments were also echoed by American Express Global Business Travel.
"Progress to date has been too slow. They must seize this moment to announce the implementation of consistent testing regimens with the mutual recognition of Covid health certificates (CHCs) in lieu of any quarantine restrictions. We must also hope that the formation of yet another travel taskforce finally produces rapid and meaningful results," said Drew Crawley, Amex GBT Chief Commercial Officer.
