Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise over a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine, with prime minister Boris Johnson warning Europe is on the “edge of a precipice” because of the crisis.
Elsewhere, the Welsh government is considering a tourist tax on accommodation, while Australia has declared koalas are now endangered across large areas of the country.
Here are the key headlines the travel sector woke up to on Friday (11 February)
Thousands jet off on half-term breaks as UK scraps testing for fully vaccinated
Hundreds of thousands of people are embarking on half-term holidays as the UK finally scrapped all Covid tests for vaccinated travellers. The removal of the requirement to take a post-arrival lateral flow test came into effect at 4am on Friday (11 February). Transport secretary Grant Shapps hailed the move as “good news” for families. (Sky News/The i)
PM warns Europe is ‘on precipice’ as Ukraine fears grow
Boris Johnson has warned that the continent is on the “edge of a precipice” over a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine. Johnson was speaking as he visited Nato headquarters in Brussels and Poland during a day of diplomacy on Thursday (10 February). Foreign Secretary Liz Truss also held meetings with Russian ministers in Moscow. (The Guardian)
Wales moves closer to bringing in a tourist tax
Plans for a tourism tax for people staying overnight at a hotel, self-catered apartment or campsite in Wales have taken a step forward. The Welsh government has confirmed that a consultation will be launched this autumn when details of the proposed policy will be revealed. (Wales Online)
Australia lists koalas as endangered species
Koalas have been listed as an endangered species across large areas of Australia because of a dramatic fall in their population. The endangered listing applies to Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory where the number of koalas has dropped due to land clearing, bushfires, drought and disease. (BBC News)
End to Covid isolation could force firms to increase mask wearing and distancing
The UK government’s plan to end self-isolation rules in England later this month could force companies to bring in more mask-wearing and social-distancing rules to ensure compliance with health and safety laws. There are warnings that businesses could face legal action if they allow Covid-positive staff to come into work. (The Telegraph)
Brussels lowers growth forecasts as inflation hits EU economy
Economic growth in the EU is expected to be lower this year than previously expected, due to the impact of high energy prices, the Omicron variant and supply chain problems. Growth in 2022 is now predicted to be around 4% across the EU – down from the previous estimate of a 4.3% increase. (Financial Times)
