Ski specialist buoyed by easing of rules in Europe
James ChappleSki specialists can look ahead with growing optimism to the rest of the ski season as Covid travel rules and restrictions continued to be eased on the continent.
Last week, France relaxed its entry rules, with Switzerland and Austria this week following suit by making changes Oxford Ski Company founder and chief executive Rupert Longsdon hopes will fuel a fresh wave of late bookings.
Switzerland’s government on Thursday (17 February) announced a "rapid normalisation" of everyday life in the country, rolling back the majority of its Covid measures.
Longsdon said it was a "clear sign" countries, especially those with significant winter sports industries, were making "great efforts" to welcome overseas tourists once again after two heavily curtailed seasons.
"With the most comprehensive reduction in restrictions we have seen to date, Switzerland has put travel back to pre-pandemic rules, allowing unfettered access to all – essentially without limitation," he said.
"This comes just a week or so after France introduced more lenient entry requirements, removing the need for fully vaccinated travellers to present a valid PCR or antigen test prior to travel. These are all hugely positive moves, especially as we find ourselves in the middle of one of the busiest periods of ski travel with a UK half-term double-hitter.
"Of course, with much of the season remaining, these changes give good grounds for positivity as we look ahead to Easter and the rest of the season."
Longsdon added that while the constant changes to international travel rules, both in the UK and overseas, were continuing to create headaches for the travel industry, ski and snow specialists were nonetheless thankful for a "fantastic season" so far.
"Now we hope others will feel more confident and comfortable with the idea of a late-season escape in light of these regional amendments," he added.
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