Travel trade needs certainty and support

Transport and travel union TSSA has said that the travel trade needs "certainty and support", following newly updated government advice on travel. 

This evening, Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, outlined changes to the traffic light system of categories in relation to coronavirus, with accompanying quarantine and testing requirements for overseas travel.

From 04:00 BST on 30 June, travellers from England will be able to go to these places without needing to quarantine – Malta, Madeira, Balearic islands, Antigua, Barbados, Barbuda, Dominica and Grenada and a number of UK overseas territories.

Scotland and Northern Ireland have published their own lists.

Restrictions during the pandemic have all but cancelled international travel, putting thousands of jobs at risk. The rapid changes to the lists have presented further problems for travel agents, with many holidaymakers cancelling when Portugal was moved from green to amber.

Manuel Cortes, TSSA General Secretary, said: 

"Our travel trade needs certainty and it needs support. While it’s great news that more holiday destinations are now on the travel green list, our travel trade is still struggling.

"In the fight against coronavirus, it’s vital that we follow the scientific advice and open up safely. But to do that government must support those sectors of the economy which have been badly hit by restrictions – none more so than travel.

"Our travel trade needs specific support from government to get through this the summer, as we emerge from this horrendous pandemic. Promises of better days ahead will not keep businesses afloat and save jobs.

"It’s time Grant Shapps, Boris Johnson and other Ministers woke up to and took action."