Consortium to offer members access to discounted PCR tests
James ChappleThe Advantage Travel Partnership has partnered with Randox Health to allow members to offer clients discounted PCR tests for Covid-19.
The deal will allow Advantage members to provide clients tests for £60 instead of £120.
Under the government’s new traffic light system, set to govern the resumption of international travel, those arriving from "green list" countries will have to take a PCR test within two days of returning to the UK.
Until recently, test prices have run to upwards of £100 each, but the deal with Randox comes amid efforts to make the cost of travel during the Covid era more affordable.
On Thursday (22 April), the government’s transport committee said the Global Travel Taskforce’s recommendation to require a PCR test upon return, even from green destinations, could add £500 onto the cost of a holiday for a typical family of four, pricing many out of leisure travel.
Prime minister Boris Johnson, transport secretary Grant Shapps and aviation and maritime minister Robert Courts have all pledged to take steps to reduce the cost of testing, possibly by waiving VAT.
Randox last week announced it would halve the cost of PCR tests to those booking with selected partners.
The agreement with Advantage will allow members to pass the reduction onto clients directly with the use of an exclusive code.
Clients can then head to the Randox website to purchase their tests at the reduce £60 rate using the code. Kits will be sent direct to their home, with results delivered within 24 hours of being returned.
Kelly Cookes, Advantage’s leisure director, said: "We know travellers are not deterred by doing a test if it means they can go on holiday. However, for a family of four, the cost of testing was prohibitive.
"Providing our agents with this outstanding discount code for government approved tests means travel once more becomes financially viable.
"This partnership with Randox Health means we can provide our members with additional added value to pass onto their customers."
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Randox managing director, added: "In recognition of the needs of both the travel industry and the British public at this unprecedented time, Randox will reduce the all-inclusive cost of PCR testing for those in the UK undertaking international travel to £60 per test.
"We can see the pressures faced by the both the travel industry and the general public and are committed to effective and economical testing to support holidaymakers and those undertaking international travel."
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