WTTC voices opposition to quarantine measures
The World Travel & Tourism Council has voiced its support for the EU initiative to help restart summer holidays across Europe this summer.
It says it also agrees with the European Commission that quarantine measures being imposed by some governments are not necessary and will be a major deterrent to tourism.
WTTC president and CEO Gloria Guevara said: "We fully support the European Commission’s stance on quarantines and agree these should not be necessary if appropriate and effective containment measures are in place at departure and arrival points for flights, ferries, cruises, road and rail transport.
"We urge Member States to carefully reflect before deciding whether arrivals need to self-isolate as this would be a major deterrent to travel and put those countries at a competitive disadvantage. We call on governments to find alternative solutions rather than maintaining or introducing arrival quarantine measures, as part of post-pandemic travel restrictions.
"Once a traveller is tested and confirmed as safe to travel, further restrictions such as quarantines should not be necessary."
She said strong coordination and cooperation across Europe will avoid unilateral and fragmented measures which would lead to confusion and disruption for travellers and businesses alike.
"Our research shows at least 6.4 million jobs are impacted across the EU, and in order to save these jobs and protect the livelihoods of millions of people, we must learn from the past and ensure a coordinated approach between the public and private sector," she said.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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