Travel industry applauds removal of pre-departure test
The travel industry welcomed the easing of restrictions for inbound travel to England.
From Friday, fully vaccinated travellers will no longer have to take a test before departure.
Additionally, the current PCR test on Day 2 of arrival can be replaced with a cheaper lateral flow test.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson acknowledged the pre-departure test ‘discourages many from travelling for fear of being trapped overseas and incurring significant extra expense.’
It is ‘great news for the industry’ and will ‘boost consumer confidence,’ says Alistair Rowland, CEO of long-haul tour operator, Blue Bay Travel.
"The pre-departure test was a significant barrier as consumers, quite rightly, feared testing positive abroad and not being able to return to the UK on time, as well as the unknown costs associated with that unhappy situation."
"The government has finally taken a sensible and proportionate stance, which will help the industry during peaks," Rowland added.
Kirsten Hughes, UK Managing Director, Travel Counsellors said: "It is fantastic news. This measure removes a major barrier to travel. Whilst the ultimate aim of everyone in the travel industry is to keep people travelling in the safest way possible, there comes a point where additional restrictions do not play any positive role in managing the levels of cases in the UK."
"They just add an additional layer of bureaucracy, worry and of course cost."
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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