Antor urges govt to adopt low-risk 'partner' countries and axe quarantine

In a letter to the prime minister, foreign secretary, transport secretary and culture secretary, Antor chair Tracey Poggio called for a “sensible” solution working with countries to put “acceptable preventative measures in place” allowing British tourists to travel this summer.

Poggio said according to statistics from Antor’s 60 destination members worldwide, 24 countries have experienced less than 125 deaths from Covid, while 38 suffered less than 1,000 deaths and 52 less than 10,000.

In comparison - only six destinations currently have a higher number of cases per capita than the UK.

Poggio urged government to adopt “partner” countries and work with them on the implementation of health protocols – both in-destinations and at borders - allowing the UK to “safely manage risk and restart inbound and outbound tourism”.

“This approach would address the rationale for imposing quarantine, which is to protect against the risk of importing cases from locations where the incidence of the virus is high, relative to the UK – and which might yet be the case in a number of countries – but critically not most,” she said.

“By lifting the quarantine measures with immediate effect this will allow those low-risk countries with land and sea access, and acceptable preventative measures in place, to welcome British tourists immediately.

“However, by agreeing to air bridges at the same time this will take longer to put into effect and it is therefore also crucial that this happens by 29 June. We trust that you will act swiftly and take the right decision for the UK holidaymaker and travel and tourism industry.”