The group has made the move following a wave of panic cancellations across Italy’s hotels after the UK was added to the country’s Covid at-risk list last week. 

UK residents heading to Italy on holiday must prove either evidence of a negative test in the last 72 hours, or undergo testing on arrival. In response, Rocco Forte Hotels has launched its own Fit to Travel partnership service to alleviate some of the planning stress for guests. 

Entirely bookable online, Blue Horizon will arrange for self-test kits to be couriered to and from guest’s homes with a guarantee that the certificate of a negative test will be produced within 72 hours of travel.

The group has seven hotels in Italy (five of which are open), and its guests will also receive a discount of £40 on the tests when quoting an exclusive code once a reservation has been made (the test process usually costs £169; now £129 for Rocco Forte guests).

“These are trying times but I am keen to do anything which will enhance travel and allow our customers to holiday and enjoy themselves. Testing in the UK before travelling to Italy reduces much of the hassle and helps make the trip as seamless as possible. Upon arrival guests will find our usual hospitality and service,” said Sir Rocco Forte, founder of the company.

As reassurance for guests, Forte goes on to say on the company’s website: “Our primary concern being the wellbeing of guests and staff, we also understand that flexibility in travel is of the upmost importance. We have reviewed our booking policies in order to encourage guests to plan ahead and dissipate any concerns and uncertainties they may have. Mine has been a hospitality-focused family business for four generations, a time in which we have withstood and surmounted great challenges by supporting and protecting each other and the communities we live in. I intend to do the very same now.”