There are also signs Wales may drop its ban on private PCR testing for holidaymakers, and calls for the aviation sector to be given extended furlough support.
Here are all the latest national press headlines concerning travel on Wednesday (1 September).
Benidorm ‘safer than Blackpool’
People who holiday in England have a higher chance of testing positive for Covid than those going abroad, NHS figures show. The test positivity rate in the north-west, which includes Blackpool, was 1.56%, for the three weeks to 11 August, double the 0.7% reported for travellers returning from Spain, according to test provider Cignpost. However, the rate for England stood at 1.36%, compared with 1.3% for those who jetted to amber countries. (The Telegraph)
Wales may relax ban on private Covid tests
A ban on travellers using private Covid tests when returning from abroad could be scrapped by the Welsh government. Rules say travellers from Wales should use NHS tests, costing £68 each, when going abroad or face a £1,000 fine. The policy is now being reviewed following a BBC investigation that found Welsh travellers had been able to use private PCR tests without repercussions. (BBC News)
Furlough scheme ‘must be extended’ to aviation sector, says Unite
The furlough scheme should be extended to protect workers in industries that continue to be damaged by the pandemic, business groups and unions have said. Union Unite said this included the airline sector. The job subsidy programme that has supported more than 11 million employees has entered its final month. (The Guardian)
Rush to book Italy for autumn breaks
Double-jabbed Britons are booking holidays to Italy after it changed travel regulations, according to experts. Fully vaccinated travellers no longer have to quarantine in Italy if they have a negative PCR test 48 hours before arrival. (The Standard)
London attraction to remain free indefinitely
The troubled Marble Arch Mound, which has attracted huge criticism from visitors, will permanently scrap its £6.50 fee. The earth and scaffolding viewpoint cost £6 million to build but disappointed visitors with restricted views and its design. (Metro)
