The government is being urged to scrap day two testing for vaccinated international arrivals to the UK at the next travel review due at the end of the month.
UKinbound has written to the Department for Transport stressing that the day two test continues to be an “impediment to recovery” and at odds with European countries such as Ireland, where vaccinated arrivals are not required to take a test.
The tourism organisation also outlined that it is “imperative” that the removal of day two testing is reciprocal for both UK and international citizens arriving in the country, citing that the UK’s outbound and inbound tourism industries have a symbiotic relationship, and one cannot fully recover without the other.
Future alterations to the UK’s fully vaccinated status for international arrivals, incorporating the third booster vaccination, were raised by the trade body, which represents more than 300 businesses.
To ensure this does not de-rail recovery, the association asked that when changes to vaccinated qualifying rules are published domestically, the guidance for international travel should be issued at the same time and this clearly outlines any changes for inbound visitors who do not hold a UK passport or visa.
UKinbound chief executive Joss Croft said: “2022 presents an array of challenges for the UK’s inbound tourism industry as it rebuilds, but recovery is on the horizon.
“The industry has been working hard to roll out demand-driving initiatives to entice international visitors back and encourage them to spend their money here in the UK.
“However, this demand will only convert into bookings if the UK is competitive internationally, which is why we need the day two test for vaccinated international arrivals removed.”