WTTC responds to the expected announcement from the UK government (3rd June '21)

Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President WTTC, said: "The World Travel & Tourism Council shares the huge disappointment of Travel & Tourism businesses up and down the country, as well as that of holidaymakers, that the government has once again cold-shouldered Travel & Tourism by refusing to add any new destinations to the meagre green list.

“There are so many countries with similar vaccination levels and low infection rates as the UK to which travel should be restored immediately, such as the US and Malta. 

“It is essential we kick-start the return of international travel to save the flailing aviation industry and the global Travel & Tourism sector.

“If Portugal has been dropped into the amber list, it will crush the confidence to travel, depress forward bookings and send ripples of worry through travel agents everywhere.

“WTTC believes the time is now right for the UK to open the doors to safe travel and allow all those who are fully vaccinated or can show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, to travel freely."