The business travel industry has reacted with dismay over the limited changes to the UK government’s traffic light system.
Clive Wratten, CEO of the Business Travel Association, said the review was “bitterly disappointing”.
He said, “The Government is cutting-off British businesses and causing further damage to our economy.
“For every week that major business travel destinations aren’t added to the green list, UK GDP loses at least £3 billion from trips that can’t happen.
“The failure to update on the progress of the transatlantic taskforce shows the Government’s lack of understanding of the dire straits the travel industry as a whole is facing.
“As other nations open-up for international travel and trade, we remain in virtual lockdown. With nearly 200,000 jobs lost already, targeted financial support must be offered to protect jobs and companies across the travel industry.
“Public safety is the priority, but the Government must listen to the data and experts to enable small, medium and large businesses to operate on the international stage."
Jason Oshiokpekhai, managing director of Global Travel Collection UK, who attended yesterday’s Travel Day of Action in Westminster, said: “The news of a number of realistic holiday destinations added to the green list is a promising step in the right direction for the recovery of our industry. With the news of the late ‘green watchlist’ being implemented, it is of paramount importance that the Government work closely with the industry in the coming weeks and months.
“What still rings true, is our lack of insight into what official data determines a country as green. This data determines the course of our industry’s future. It is what will repair consumer confidence, a vital determinant in our recovery. We deserve this transparency.”
Drew Crawley, American Express Global Business Travel’s chief commercial officer, said: “Today’s announcement falls far short of what the travel industry, businesses and our economy need.”
The government has also announced plans to allow vaccinated travellers to enter the UK from amber countries without quarantine.