All-inclusive operator Club Med has welcomed the easing of UK travel restrictions, especially in light of the problems facing the ski market, which has been hit by curbs across Europe.
From Friday (January 7) arrivals from abroad who are fully vaccinated or under the age of 18 will no longer need to take pre-departure Covid tests, and will also no longer be required to self-isolate on arrival until they’ve received a negative result.
They will need to take a test on or before day two after arriving in the UK – which can be a lateral flow device rather than a PCR test from Sunday, January 9.
Estelle Giraudeau, UK & Northern Europe managing director at Club Med, said: “It has been another challenging start to the ski season for the industry with new restrictions and increased uncertainty.
“We are hopeful that [the] easing of the testing requirements to return to the UK will be an encouraging step towards boosting travel confidence as well as reducing additional financial strain on the overall cost of a holiday.
“Last week saw a surge for ski bookings this month, up by 202% compared with January 2019, and we anticipate this last-minute trend will continue for this month with some countries’ restrictions still in a state of flux.”
She said Club Med’s ski resorts in Switzerland (St. Moritz) and Italy (Pragelato) are currently its most popular because of the ongoing French ban on UK visitors.
“We are hopeful that we will see that ban lifted in the coming weeks and Brits can soon return to the slopes all across Europe,” she added.
“The appetite is certainly there for France with Google search data showing a 950% year-on-year increase for the term ‘travel requirements to France’ and a strong performance for our French resorts for the remainder of the season.”
The French ban on UK visitors was introduced on December 18 as the Omicron variant of Covid-19 was surging, causing widespread cancellations and chaos for holidaymakers, especially in the ski market.
On January 6, the French government introduced additional categories to the list of essential reasons for travel, including for some business travel and for UK nationals who are resident in other EU member states who intend to transit France to return to their country of residence.
The Telegraph reported that a further announcement is expected next week, which could include holidaymakers.
Currently all arrivals in France must have a “compelling” reason to enter.
Pictured: Club Med La Rosière ski resort in the French Alps.