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WTTC blasts govt inaction on safe travel destinations
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) blasted the UK government for failing to publish a list of safe travel destinations "the best part of a week" after its make-shift announcement of a new traffic light system for the resumption of outbound travel.
WTTC president and chief executive Gloria Guevara on Thursday (2 July) lent her voice to a chorus of calls for the government to reveal the list following reports ministers are ready to abandon the UK’s work on bilateral air bridges in favour of quarantine exemptions.
This would reportedly allow Brits to travel to around 75 countries without fear of returning to a two-week quarantine requirement.
The list is expected to be published this week, accompanied by an easing of the Foreign Office’s current travel advice, which advises against all non-essential travel worldwide – effectively halting all outbound leisure travel.
“For the best part of a week, the UK government has delayed announcing which countries will be safe for British holidaymakers to travel to for what’s left of their summer holidays, resulting in frustration and confusion among travellers," said Guevara.
“While we understand the need to secure reciprocal travel agreements, the clock has been ticking. Each day we delay, more jobs in the travel and tourism sector will be lost or put at risk, both in the UK and overseas.
“We need to restore consumer confidence so travellers and holidaymakers can book flights and holidays and be sure they will be able to travel when and where they want and enjoy a much-need break away. We encourage the UK government to let consumers know where they stand without any further delay.”
James Chapple
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