SPAA president Joanne Dooey has said the UK government’s recent overhaul of the red list is the "first true boost" for the Scottish travel industry.
On Thursday (7 October), South Africa, Brazil, India and Turkey were amongst the 47 countries which were removed from the category by the Department for Transport, leaving just seven destinations on the list.
Following the announcement, Dooey also welcomed the "new, joined-up" approach from the DfT and the UK Foreign Office, after the latter lifted its advice against non-essential travel on Covid-19 grounds to 32 countries. "This will build consumer confidence," Dooey said.
She also claimed the removal of winter sun destinations, such as South Africa, the Seychelles and Mexico, from the list "opens up a world of travel for the first time in 19 months".
"This is the first substantive positive move towards getting travel moving again not only for holiday makers but for those who are desperate to visit friends and family and for Scottish businesses which trade overseas," Dooey added.
"We have already seen an increase recently in enquiries for travel following the removal of the pre departure test in resort, so we eagerly await the potential change from PCR to lateral flow test on day two following return.
"The changes from PCR to lateral flow will cut costs for those wishing to travel. We do, however, need clarity on when the changes will come into effect."
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