‘New travel measures to curb COVID-19 should replace quarantines’
Travel Biz News —
UK based World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has called for the complete removal of unnecessary quarantines to promote international tourism.
“WTTC supports measures designed to curb COVID-19 and protect public health but calls for the complete removal of unnecessary quarantines,” Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said.
WTTC has long called for an internationally recognised rapid and cost-effective testing regime upon departure at airports worldwide. This would avoid exporting the virus, especially by departing outbound passengers, and aid the restoration of international travel.
“Requiring inbound travellers and holidaymakers to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 pre-departure test should ensure safe travel. This will be critical to encourage essential bookings for future flights and holidays. However, there is still uncertainty around the type of tests which will be accepted upon arrival, and they must be made widely accessible and affordable for all,” he opined.
“But unlike many other countries where the proof of a negative test has replaced quarantines, to further insist all arriving travellers must isolate for ten days or undergo a further test five days later is an unnecessary precaution. It will only stifle travel, putting yet more pressure on the embattled Travel & Tourism sector.”
“Continuing with these damaging quarantines and added unnecessary restrictions will impact forward bookings which will be vital to revive international air travel, bring back Travel & Tourism sector jobs and resuscitate the global economy, while also protecting public health,” he added in a statement issued by the Council.
According to the WTTC’s 2020 Economic Impact Report, the importance of inbound international visitors is laid bare; international visitor spend in 2019 contributed £28.2 billion, representing 4.2% of the UK’s total exports.
Travel & Tourism is critical to the UK’s economic well-being and is responsible for almost four million jobs, or 11% of the country’s total workforce. It also generated nearly £200 billion GDP, or 9% to the UK economy, according to WTTC.
Jan.11 , 2021 Image : WTTC
