ABTA, the Advantage Travel Partnership and UKinbound are among the organisations welcoming the lifting of quarantine restrictions for passengers returning toEngland from July 10.
A risk-based "traffic light system" has superseded the air bridge policy between England and a number of destinations, although other home nations are developing their own policies for passenger arrivals.
Mark Tanzer, chief executive of ABTA commented on the association's new webpage which offers information for customers and agents: ?Months of travel restrictions have understandably led to a pent up demand for holidays, with many holidaymakers eager to book a well-deserved break. As international travel begins to restart, it?s important that ABTA, as a trusted travel organisation, provides customers with information and advice that will help them book with confidence. This new webpage will guide holidaymakers through the considerations when it comes to planning a holiday in this new environment and will be updated with the latest guidance as the opportunities to travel continue to evolve.?
Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of Advantage Travel Partnership, echoed Mr Tanzer's sentiments: "We welcome this update from the government as visitors will now be able to travel to and from the selected countries without the need of quarantining upon to their return."
Ms Lo Bue-Said added that while the travel industry can start to move forward again, the overseas travelling experience "will have changed quite considerably and the support and advice from your local travel agent will now be more valuable than ever."
"From providing advice on what to expect whilst transiting through the airport, what safety precautions travellers will need to take on flights, to how transfers and resorts will operate, booking through a travel agent will provide the British public with an added layer of reassurance and peace of mind. In a time of uncertainty where there will be more questions than ever, being able to pick up the phone and speak to a travel expert will help put travellers? minds at ease," she said. "Travel agencies are open up and down the country, and agents are ready to inform and inspire clients to send the British public on much a needed and deserved holiday this year as well as help those travellers who are desperate to visit friends and family abroad or those who need to travel for business.?
Joss Croft, CEO, UKinbound said that English tourism businesses "will be breathing another sigh of relief today following the official government announcement that arrivals from over 50 countries will no longer need to quarantine from July 10."
However, he said that the organisation is still awaiting news of restrictions being lifted in regard to other inbound markets, as well as any policy changes for the other home nations.
?There are however a number of very important inbound markets that are still excluded, such as the USA, China and countries in the Middle East. We?re also still waiting to hear if the devolved nations will follow suit, and lift quarantine. The health and safety of visitors of course needs to be the first priority, but the Government needs to understand that the inbound industry will only begin to fully recover when quarantine is removed for all markets and so will need continued financial support,? Mr Croft concluded.
