The new test to release scheme will only have a limited effect on boosting consumer confidence and holiday bookings, say experts at the Specialist Travel Association (Aito) conference today (December 15).
Last night the government published the list of 11 testing companies whose Covid assessments are approved for use – but there was widespread criticism today as some firms said they could not provide tests.
Travellers returning to the UK from a country that does not have an air corridor can take a test on their fifth day of self-isolation in order to avoid the full 10-day quarantine requirement.
Martin Alcock, Travel Trade Consultancy director, told delegates at the online Aito conference: “The launch of testing-to-release today is helpful, but testing is still fragmented and needs to be more coordinated.
“We need coordination between nations but so far we have not seen any sign of that.”
He highlighted how several travel companies had testing regimes in place – such as Club Med, Heathrow, Gatwick, easyJet and Virgin Atlantic – and warned that positive news about vaccinations may mean the UK government views a coordinated approach to testing as less important.
Noel Josephides, Sunvil chairman, said the test to release scheme will have “a bit of an impact” on confidence, adding: “It’s probably a first stage but we need to reduce that [quarantine] timeframe even more. As things stand, it will make little difference.”
Matt Purser, another director at Travel Trade Consultancy, commented: “Test to release helps, as everyone is desperate to travel.
“What is putting people off is the constant changing of travel corridors as we don’t want to quarantine when we come back.”
Dale Keller, chief executive of the Board of Airline Representatives in the UK (Bar UK), said there may not be much value for consumers to pay for a test on day five, as the results may not come until day seven or eight – and the quarantine period is 10 days.
The prices for the approved PCR tests range from £89 to £180.
“It’s a stepping stone, it will not serve us well into the future,” said Keller.
“There are some big-name providers not on that list yet.”
He said technology is advancing swiftly and more rapid accurate tests may soon be available which will be a “game changer” for travel.
Gemma Antrobus (Haslemere Travel), chair of Aito Specialist Agents said the new test to release scheme has been“utterly terrible” on its first day.
Opening the conference, Aito chairman Chris Rowles said: “Test, track and trace is a national embarrassment. We got 11 approved testers published last night – how many are Boris’s mates?
“The government does not listen and does not seem to care.”