Julian cautiously welcomes Government travel review, but warns much more needs to be done to save summer holidays and support the travel industry
June 25, 2021
Julian has today welcomed the Government’s travel review as a ‘step in the right direction’ after leading calls in Parliament for safe foreign travel to be allowed to resume without restrictions. He cautioned however that the use of the ‘green watch list’ will undermine the confidence needed for holidaymakers to go ahead and book for this summer.
Last night, the Department for Transport announced that 16 new destinations would be added to the green travel list, including Malta, Madeira and the Balearic Islands in Europe as well as a handful of Caribbean islands and British Overseas Territories. Most of these will be added to the ‘green watch list’ meaning there is a risk of them returning to amber at the next review. In addition the Government confirmed its intention to scrap quarantine rules later this summer for those travelling from amber list countries who have received both doses of a Covid vaccine.
Earlier this week, Julian attended an event in Westminster organised by travel industry which sought to highlight the economic impact that continued restrictions are having at all levels. There he met David Carruthers, who runs Conexo Travel, an independent travel firm based in Haxby (pictured). Mr Carruthers explained that the Government’s policy was undermining confidence in foreign travel at a time when they should be doing everything in their power to help the industry recover. The experience of Portugal being removed from the green list at short notice earlier this month was especially damaging.
Speaking after the Department for Transport’s announcement, Julian said:
“Any extension of the green travel list is to be welcomed and I am hopeful that the Government finally appears to be listening to holidaymakers and the travel industry who want to see safe destinations opened up in time for the school holidays. I share industry concerns however that the use of the green watch list is far from ideal, and will fail to provide the confidence necessary for people to book, given that the destinations can be moved back to amber at short notice.
It is essential therefore that we maintain pressure on the Government. Destinations do not just need to go on the green list, they need to stay there. Whilst the exemption for double jabbed arrivals is to be welcomed, we need a commitment from the Government to a July commencement date and the inclusion of unvaccinated under-18s if it is to have a significant impact on travel this summer.”
