CBI responds to latest changes to international travel rules

Matthew Fell, CBI Chief Policy Director, said:

“This is a welcome step forward for the international travel sector as it looks ahead with hopeful eyes for a return to normal in 2022. Scrapping testing for vaccinated travellers entering the UK will provide a much-needed lift in passenger confidence and allow customers to book with renewed certainty.

“The Government must now clearly set out how it will help the sector live with future variants and maintain passenger confidence, avoiding the oscillation we have seen between freedom and restriction since the outset of the pandemic. This should include the timescales for any shift to incorporate third jabs/booster shots into the definition of fully vaccinated.

“Demand will also not return overnight and Government and industry must work together to draw up a long-term plan for future stability within a sector of vital importance to regional connectivity and Global Britain.”