International business travel could take off again if journeys of up to three days free from quarantines can be agreed.
A joint recommendation for the short stay exemption comes from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (EASA/ECDC).
They have joined forces to call for an exemption on quarantine for people travelling for less than 72 hours.
This could signal the return of international business travel and provide a significant economic boost, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.
The proposal is also under “active study” by the UK government, according to the Global Travel Taskforce report prepared for the Department for Transport.
WTTC said it agreed with EASA/ECDC’s call for travellers not to be automatically considered as high-risk for possibly spreading the infection.
But the recommendation falls short as it does not address the replacement of quarantines for a testing regime at departure.
The guidelines from EASA/ECDC considered the reduced likelihood for infection for those travelling for short periods and where contacts with the local population are limited and avoiding any social interactions.
It suggests such travellers should not be subjected to quarantines or Covid-19 testing unless they show any symptoms of the virus.
However, it continues to recommend all of those who travel must still ensure they adhere to local social distancing rules, to protect themselves and others around them.
WTTC president and chief executive Gloria Guevara said: “The revival of international business travel is crucial to kick-starting the global economic recovery, as last year, inbound international business travel across Europe accounted for $111.3 billion, whilst globally it accounted for more than $272 billion.
“The EASA/ECDC proposed guidelines to exempt passengers from quarantines for travel of 72 hours or less would be a significant step in the direction towards the wholesale revival of business travel.
“Airlines, hotels and a vast infrastructure of businesses within the global travel and tourism sector, all heavily rely upon business travel.
“The loss of international business travel leaves airlines especially exposed, particularly on highly competitive short-haul and transatlantic routes, which depend upon them for the bulk of their profits.”
She added: “While we welcome all initiatives which could lead to the revival of international travel, we hope to persuade EASA and ECDC to focus on testing at departure, rather than at the point of entry, so as to reduce the possibility of transmission on board aircraft and reduce unnecessary barriers to travel.
“These measures will help ensure the long-term resuscitation of the global travel and tourism sector.”
Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said said: “For months we’ve been calling for business travel to be recognised for the crucial role it will play in support of economic recovery so this news provides a glimmer of hope.
“On departure testing needs now to be considered as a viable option to start business travel.”