UKinbound urges govt to scrap Day 2 tests for vaccinated arrivals
Will PayneUKinbound has urged the UK government to remove Day 2 tests for vaccinated international arrivals at the next travel review, due at the end of month.
In a letter to the Department for Transport, the association said the Day 2 test "continues to be an impediment to recovery" and was "at odds" with the rules in other European countries such as Ireland, where vaccinated arrivals are not required to take a test.
UKinbound also said it was "imperative" the removal of the testing regime is reciprocal for both UK and international arrivals. Future alterations to the UK’s fully vaccinated status for international arrivals, incorporating the third booster vaccination, was also raised by he association in its letter.
The association asked that when changes to vaccinated qualifying rules are published domestically, the guidance for international travel is published at the same time.
Joss Croft, chief executive of UKinbound, said that while 2022 would present "an array of challenges" for the UK’s inbound tourism industry as it rebuilds, recovery was "on the horizon".
"The industry has been working hard to roll out demand-driving initiatives to entice international visitors back and encourage them to spend their money here in the UK," he said.
"However, this demand will only convert into bookings if the UK is competitive internationally, which is why we need the day two test for vaccinated international arrivals removed."
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