A move to remove an “outdated” need for travellers to the US to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination has won industry backing.
The US Travel Association is supporting the introduction of a bill to the US Congress calling for the termination of the requirement for foreign travellers.
It argues that the Covid-era regulation could act as a barrier to bookings as international tourists plan spring and summer holidays.
The trade body’s public affairs and policy executive vice president Tori Emerson Barnes said: “We have long supported the removal of this requirement and see no reason to wait until the May expiration of the public health emergency – particularly as potential visitors are planning spring and summer travel.
“Every day this policy remains in place encourages some travellers to avoid the US, costing us valuable visitor spending and delaying our efforts to reignite inbound travel.”
She added: “The US is the only country that still has this requirement for international visitors when there is no longer any public health justification.
“We thank the bill’s sponsors for their efforts to remove this outdated, Covid-era policy and normalise inbound travel operations.”