However, one important destination – Cyprus – is going the other way, and has tightened its restrictions just as the winter sun season hits full swing.
In other news from around the world, the famous Thai beach – made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio flick The Beach – has reopened after a period of recovery necessitated by overtourism.
Here are the main national news headlines affecting travel on Wednesday 5 January.
Travel firms call for axing of testing
Travel industry groups have called for all remaining Covid restrictions on travellers to be removed in the latest government review. Airlines UK said continuing current measures would be financially disastrous. Manchester Airports Group has sent the government research it commissioned, which it claims shows pre-departure testing has little or no impact on the spread of Omicron. (BBC News)
Cyprus increases restrictions
Cyprus has introduced extensive new rules for British travellers. From today, arrivals from the UK aged 12 and above must complete an online form and have a negative PCR test result taken 48 hours before departure. They will then have to take a second PCR test when they land in Cyprus, at a cost of €15-€19. Even if the airport test is negative, tourists still have to self-test for five days. (City AM)
New Covid variant found
Scientists have expressed concerns over a Covid variant said to contain 46 mutations of the original strain of the virus. The variant, which has been named B.1.640.2, was first discovered in the south of France. It is believed the first case originated from Cameroon. (Daily Mirror)
Boris Johnson to face MPs today
The prime minister will face his critics today at the first House of Commons session and first cabinet meeting of 2022. Omicron and Covid measures will dominate the agendas of both, with stern critics of measures likely to make the case for lifting restrictions. (Sky News)
No more lockdown, says PM
Boris Johnson has ruled out a lockdown because the country can “ride out” Omicron without further restrictions. The prime minister will extend the plan B measures today but will not go further. One concession includes plans to limit PCR tests to those with symptoms, allowing those who are asymptomatic to return to work more quickly. (The Times)
The Beach reopens after four years
A Thai cove made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio’s film The Beach has reopened after nearly four years. Maya Bay, on the island of Phi Phi Leh, was closed in 2018 when officials blamed a sharp rise in visitors for severely damaging the environment. A maximum of 375 visitors will now visit at a time and swimming prohibited. (The Standard)
Probe launched after party on flight to Cancun
Canada’s transportation minister is investigating after a chartered Sunwing plane filled with maskless passengers became the scene of a booze-filled party. Shocking footage of the trip from Montreal to Cancun was shared online as Canada battles a surge of new Covid cases. The passengers - reportedly social media ’influencers’ - were filmed vaping, dancing and snapping selfies in violation of numerous air transport rules. (The Daily Mail)
