Brittany Ferries says now is the time for re-evaluation of travel corridor policies, as the government has hit its target for 15 million Covid vaccinations in the UK.
The transport and holiday company highlighted how vaccination rates are also rising significantly in France and Spain – popular destinations served by ferries departing from Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth.
The company said that, by summer, the case for reciprocal travel corridors or “sea lanes” should be “persuasive” as most adults will be vaccinated and infection rates continuing to fall.
Christophe Mathieu, Brittany Ferries chief executive, said: “Vaccine roll-out is moving apace in the UK, thanks to the NHS, volunteers and support of the armed forces.
“While France and Spain are a little behind, the ramp-up is gaining significant momentum.
“We all believe that vaccines are the way out of this dreadful crisis, so by spring we think there will be a clear case for the adoption of vaccination-led travel corridors – or in our case sea lanes – that allow holidays to go ahead this summer and for hope to return.”
The ferry firm said “reciprocal travel corridors” based on a combination of high vaccination rates and low infections “would offer a clear pathway towards a morale-boosting holiday, supporting the wellbeing of the nation”.
These measures could be supported by testing and, potentially, vaccine passports.
Mathieu added: “Now is the time for optimism, not a shutdown on the summer getaway.
“Lockdown Britons should look forward to holiday with growing confidence – and the time is ripe for a re-think on travel corridor policy.
“We should all be encouraged to book with companies that offer flexible travel, allowing easy amendments or refunds, in the event that the situation changes in the months ahead.”