The United Kingdom’s travel industry is expressing frustration over the government’s recent alterations to the international travel traffic-light system, citing concerns over consumer confidence and economic recovery as the summer peak season unfolds.
On July 14, the UK government announced adjustments to its traffic-light system for international travel, which categorizes countries into green, amber, or red lists based on their COVID-19 risk levels. Only two destinations—Bulgaria and Hong Kong—were added to the green list, allowing travelers to return without mandatory quarantine. However, UK travelers are currently barred from entering Hong Kong due to concerns over the Delta variant of the coronavirus, rendering the change ineffective for immediate travel plans.
Conversely, the Balearic Islands, including popular tourist spots Ibiza, Majorca, and Menorca, will move from the green list back to amber. This shift means travelers returning to the UK from these islands are required to self-isolate for ten days unless they are fully vaccinated or under 18 years old—a policy change set to take effect from July 19. Additionally, Cuba, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Sierra Leone have been moved to the red list, necessitating a costly hotel quarantine upon return.
Virginia Messina, managing director of the World Travel and Tourism Council, expressed concern over the frequent changes. “The challenge we have is all these changing rules, because that is what is really undermining consumer confidence,” she said. “We are at a peak season when it comes to travel, particularly in regions like Europe and the UK, so the next six weeks are really significant.”
The UK is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, reporting over 42,000 new infections on July 14—the highest since mid-January. Government projections estimate daily cases could reach 100,000 later in the summer. Despite the high domestic infection rates, many popular destinations with lower case numbers remain on the amber list, prompting industry calls for a more flexible approach.
From July 19, fully vaccinated individuals and those under 18 returning from amber-list countries will no longer need to quarantine, a move that brings cautious optimism to travelers eyeing destinations like Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece. However, the industry’s uncertainty persists due to the fluid nature of travel restrictions.
Messina emphasized the need to balance health risks with economic recovery. “We know that the vaccines work and are effective in reducing hospitalizations and deaths. We should account for that and balance the health risks with the economic recovery,” she stated.
The travel and tourism sector has been severely impacted by the pandemic, with the World Travel and Tourism Council reporting 62 million job losses globally last year. “Many businesses, whether big or small, are in a fight for survival,” Messina added.
As the situation evolves, travelers and industry stakeholders alike are seeking clarity and stability in regulations to restore confidence and aid in the sector’s recovery during this pivotal summer period.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
