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British holidaymakers will miss out on a second summer of much-needed holidays should the UK Government not act now on furthering easing travel restrictions, the industry has warned.
Tim Aldersale, the chief executive of Airlines UK, said that “it is now or never for the government to reopen travel and save what is remaining of the summer season”, adding that the “travel sector remains in lockdown as the rest of the country opens up”.
There are currently only 11 countries on the UK’s travel green list, and following Portugal’s removal earlier this month, it features none of the most popular destinations for UK travellers. The next review of the traffic light system is due tomorrow, with hopes rising that Malta and Spain’s Balearic Islands could be added.
The comments come on the travel industry’s “day of action”, with thousands of protesters expected to gather across the UK – with the biggest event in Westminster – to urge the Government to demand more countries be added to the green list and the removal of quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travellers.
The Government response to travel following the pandemic has been “haphazard”, according to Derek Jones, head of tour operator Kuoni. The Government said its travel rules are “guided by one overwhelming priority: protecting public health”.
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Green list could grow tomorrow, minister suggests
More countries are set to be added to the green list of travel restrictions this week, a minister has suggested.
Media minister John Whittingdale told Sky News the list would be reviewed “later this week to make revisions to the green list, and I hope that we can put more countries on to it”.
Green list countries do not require quarantine on return to the UK, but Mr Whittingdale urged people to go on holiday in Britain.
“You can have a great holiday in Britain and I think a very large number of people will decide this year that that’s what they will do,” he said.
“Having said that, people like to get away to the sun and there are a number of countries on the green list, and hopefully it will be possible to increase that number.”
Yesterday’s top stories
Good morning. Here’s a reminder of the main headlines from Tuesday.
- Quarantine to be scrapped for double jabbed in traffic light overhaul
- Comment: ‘No reason to trust the Gov’t. will deliver holidays by August
- ‘ Scrapping quarantine for double-jabbed would be ‘reckless’, MPs claim
- Travel Day of Action: Government should cut the ‘red tape’ on travel Portugal went amber ‘too soon’, says Hugh Merriman
- Tui has become an ‘interest party’ in legal action against Govt.
- Thailand approves quarantine-free model for Phuket
- P&O announces plans for international cruises
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