A more co-ordinated international approach to Covid-19 testing is needed to avoid destinations moving on and off the UK’s quarantine list with little advance notice.
The call came from the World Travel and Tourism Council after the government removed Portugal from the list of countries where UK travellers have to self-isolate for 14 days but added Austria, Croatia and Trinidad and Tobago.
Meanwhile, the Scottish government has added Switzerland to its list of countries requiring quarantine. UK transport sectreary Grant Shapps admitting today that he “looked very carefully at Switzerland” but did not add the country.
More: Portugal added to government ‘safe list’
Government ‘exploring regional corridors and two-test system’
Shapps also revealed in a BBC interview this morning that the government was looking at regional travel corridors.
WTTC managing director Virginia Messina said: “With countries moving so quickly on and off the quarantine list, in response to changing coronavirus rates, it shows now more than ever how important it is that we have strong international co-ordination and a comprehensive programme of testing for anyone who wants to travel either for business or leisure.
“Only a rapid, reliable and affording testing regime will help stop Covid-19 in its tracks and save the three million travel and tourism jobs at risk in the UK alone.”
Many holidaymakers will be “hugely disappointed” that if they go to Austria, Croatia, and Trinidad and Tobago it will mean they face having to quarantine for 14-days on their return.
“It just creates more uncertainty for the travel and tourism sector when they can least afford it,” Messina added.
However, she said: “WTTC is relieved that thousands of British holidaymakers can now at long last go on holiday to Portugal thanks to the country finally being removed from the UK government’s quarantine list.
“This news is a welcome shot in the arm for the fragile travel and tourism sector – both in the UK and Portugal.
“We hope it will also go some way to restoring the confidence of consumers to travel in safety again and enjoy a late summer holiday away.”
An estimated 20,000 British tourists are in Croatia, facing a deadline of 4am on Saturday to return home to avoid 14-day isolation.
Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “To have such a popular destination like Portugal added to the ‘safe list’ of travel corridors is of course positive news for British travellers and the wider industry.
“However, with Croatia now removed so soon after France and Malta, the constant changes made to this list is causing confusion and denting consumer confidence even further.
“Currently we are trading 75% down year to date, which demonstrates how dire the situation is.”
Which? Travel editor Rory Boland said: “The government has now made it clear that countries can be removed or added from the travel corridor list at a moment’s notice.
“That policy currently makes it too risky for anyone who is not able to quarantine for 14-days on return to travel anywhere abroad.
“Yet, those holidaymakers who want to heed the government warning to not undertake non-essential travel to Spain, France and now Croatia and Austria are finding it increasingly difficult to claim a refund. Many airlines continue to operate flights and refuse customers the option of a refund, then charge eye-watering fees to those who try to rebook.
“Meanwhile, the addition of Portugal is likely to come too late to help many struggling holiday companies who are at the point of collapse, as summer trips have already been cancelled.
“Which? has been asking the government what support it will provide to the travel industry for several months. That support is now urgently needed.”
An Abta spokesperson said: “The news that holidaymakers can still enjoy a much deserved break in this country will be welcomed by travellers and the travel industry alike.
“Those currently travelling in Croatia, Austria and Trinidad and Tobago do not need to leave at this time, but they are advised to follow the advice of the local public health authority.
“Customers in these destinations should contact their travel provider if they have any questions about their return journey and those due to travel imminently should contact their travel provider to discuss their options.”
Aitor chairman Chris Rowles said: “Portugal has been ahead of most European destinations on the Covid-19 stakes for some time, having handled its regional spikes – mostly in non-tourist areas around Lisbon – arguably better than we’ve handled ours in the UK, around Leicester, Manchester and Birmingham.”
Aito director Noel Josephides, chairman of Sunvil, said: “I and fellow Aito members specialising in holidays to Portugal are delighted to be able to sell this wonderful destination again – just in time for the last couple of weeks of the peak summer season, but also in time for the glorious autumnal months of September and October, right into November.”
Portuguese National Tourism Board president Luis Araujo said: “Portugal has been welcoming guests from the United Kingdom since the beginning of July, therefore this is not the case of a country just opening its doors after battling the worst of the pandemic, but the case of a destination which has been operating with the capacity for international visitors for some time now following effective early action in the battle against the virus.
“We have tourists in Portugal already who are enjoying themselves safely and responsibly.
“With the resumption of air connectivity being made, there is an expectation of short-term recovery of air routes of about 60% in September.
“At this moment, Portugal already has global air connectivity to over 81 cities with 29 airlines assuring international flights to Portugal’s five airports.
“The people of the United Kingdom have celebrated our culture, traditions, landmarks, and history for decades, by our side, forming the primary source of inbound visitors for many regions in Portugal.
“While this has been a period which nobody will ever forget, a period of time which has left behind a trail of destruction, sorrow, and pain – we are so thankful to be able to open our arms, even wider than before, to the people of the United Kingdom.”
Riviera Travel is restarting Douro river cruises in September following the relaxation of the quarantine restrictions.
Marketing director Ben Hitchcock said: “Last year we took some 7,000 customers on a Douro river cruise. The scenery is breath-taking and the itinerary is fascinating, so it is little wonder that this is one of our most popular river cruises, especially with customers looking to take a break from ocean cruising.
“Re-starting river cruising in Portugal is good news for the many thousands of people who want to take a cruise now, and especially for our travel agent partners who are well placed to take advantage of demand for last minute getaways.”
More: Portugal added to government ‘safe list’
Government ‘exploring regional corridors and two-test system’
