CBI responds to Global Travel Taskforce announcement

John Foster, CBI Director of Policy, said:

“With increased transmission and new Covid variants emerging overseas, particularly in key markets for UK trade, firms recognise the government’s need to proceed with caution on international travel. Businesses will welcome confirmation of a risk-based ‘traffic light’ approach to travel routes, alongside the scaling back of onerous quarantine restrictions for travellers from some destinations.

“However, further turbulence is expected for firms in the hard-hit international travel sector as the proposed testing regime will limit travel possibilities and hamstring demand by passing significant costs onto consumers. Industry will need time to prepare, while it may be necessary to reopen discussions about further financial support measures if firms’ ability to trade their way to recovery continues to be restricted.

“The taskforce recommendations represent a starting point for engagement with industry about how to scale-up international travel. Key milestones to review progress must be agreed in partnership with the travel industry, their supply chains and wider sectors that rely on global connectivity to ensure the most appropriate balance between driving economic recovery and protecting public health.”