Setting the right policy to lead the world on safely reopening international travel

The response to the pandemic has cut UK businesses off from global markets like never before. However, the successful vaccine programme roll-out means that the UK is in a very strong position to lead the world on reopening international passenger travel. This would have wide benefits, enabling businesses as diverse as professional services firms that need quick access to clients in New York and manufacturers that sell their products in the UAE to compete again in a global market.
The government has set up the Global Travel Taskforce to report on ways that the UK can safely reopen international travel alongside the wider road map for recovery. The CBI’s response to the taskforce sets out business’ path forward to safely rebuilding demand for international travel over the coming months. This involves taking a risk-based approach to reopening, making the most of the UK’s successful vaccine roll-out and the latest testing technology.

Business has called for the Global Travel Taskforce to deliver:

• A risk-based roadmap for re-opening international travel developed in synch with the UK’s global partners.
• Simple and effective border arrangements that will not obstruct reopening efforts.
• Consistent communications to business and consumers that can inspire confidence and enable effective resource management.
• A platform for UK leadership in reopening global traffic, supporting, amongst others, the country’s world-leading aerospace, international high-speed rail and maritime sectors.

If you would like to discuss our work on international connectivity in further detail, please contact the CBI’s transport policy lead, Freddie Hopkinson.