The Save Future Travel Coalition is reiterating its call for the prime minister to set out the government’s “principles for restarting travel” when he announces the roadmap out of lockdown.
In a joint blog ahead of the Boris Johnson’s expected announcement on Monday, the industry campaign group said: “What we would like to hear from government are the principles for restarting travel, including working with other countries to develop an internationally recognised vaccine certificate.
“This evidence, alongside testing, is certain to accelerate the reopening of travel.
“There also needs to be recognition that not everyone can or will want to be vaccinated, so a practical and cost-effective testing regime will be critical.”
The coalition says it does not expect the government to a provide specific date for a return to travel.
“It is clearly too early for that, as there are still a number of unknowns, including the effectiveness of the vaccine against new Covid variants and its ability to stop transmission of the virus. Full customer confidence will only return when these questions have been answered,” said the blog.
The coalition also wants Foreign Office travel advice to be regional rather than based on entire countries, and to focus on the risk to a person in destination
The blog added: “The current bans on school trips and cruises also need to be reviewed in the light of an improving medical landscape. We will also call for coordination, where possible, between the four UK nations.”
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The statement reiterates the sector’s call for tailored financial packages and the extension other support mechanisms, such as furlough, VAT deferrals and business rates relief.
It added: “The government must work to get people travelling in time for the summer, recognising that the return to normal life will never be entirely risk-free. “
The coalition continued: “The prime minister’s address needs to ensure it not only delivers a roadmap but also instil confidence in future travel.
“Consumers should feel that they can make holiday bookings in the knowledge that, if the situation changes, they are protected by the package travel regulations and the additional flexibility that many travel companies are offering.”
The Save Future Travel Coalition includes key trade bodies such as Abta, The Travel Network Group, Advantage Travel Partnership, Aito The Specialist Travel Association, the Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers, Cruise Lines International Association, Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association, UKinbound and others.