The World Travel & Tourism Commission, WTTC, has expressed that it shares the bewilderment of British holidaymakers, as well as those working throughout the Travel & Tourism sector, at the confusing quarantine rules in England, Scotland and Wales for those now returning back from Greece. A similar situation is emerging with Portugal.
“This public policy lottery is creating chaos,” said Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO. “It shows confusion, mistrust and further seriously undermines the government’s credibility in the eyes of the public.”
The WTTC underlines the importance of restoring the confidence to travel, not creating more uncertainty. Its CEO stressed that it is vital to have a properly coordinated response across the UK, which people – and the Travel & Tourism sector – can both understand and have confidence in.
“Blanket quarantines are disruptive, unhelpful and have a devastating economic impact,” said Guevara. “There has been no plan from the government on how to abandon them and focus instead on reopening ‘air corridors’ between cities which have similar low coronavirus infection rates to revive international business and leisure travel responsibly.”
According to the WTTC, investing in a comprehensive testing programme for travellers may be less expensive than the economic cost brought on by blanket quarantines, with its impact on jobs and the millions of livelihoods that depend on this sector.
The government has approved a £500 million package for Covid-19 testing, which the WTTC widely approves.
