Safely unlocking overseas travel is essential - Chamber
Business leaders in Greater Birmingham say the government must do everything in its power to unlock overseas travel in a safe manner after the Transport Secretary eased some quarantine restrictions for fully-vaccinated travellers.
Grant Shapps announced that fully vaccinated passengers will be able to return quarantine-free to England from amber list countries from 19 July.
He also told the House of Commons today that children under 18 returning from amber list countries will also not have to isolate.
Passengers returning to England will be asked to include vaccination status on their passenger locator form.
In addition, Mr Shapps said more than 30 countries and territories are now recognising the vaccination certificate as part of entry requirements.
Raj Kandola (pictured), head of policy at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “The easing of restrictions will offer a much needed shot in the arm for the travel industry which has taken a battering throughout the pandemic.
“With thousands of jobs and livelihoods at stake in the aviation industry and wider sectors, it 's great to see the Government is taking sensible steps towards reviving international travel.
“The timing of these plans is key; the fact that the new plans are in place from July 19th means we 've got a chance to maximise the summer season and boost demand for holidays abroad - although it remains to be seen how the Government will reconcile these plans with the latest self isolation guidelines which come into play the following month.
“In addition, local firms will hopefully start to benefit from increased business travel and these measures will go someway to safeguard the long term viability of the tourism industry - a vital driver of prosperity in this country.
“Overall this is a step in the right direction, however we recognise that Mr Shapps has to walk a fine line between opening up international markets and maintaining safety levels.
“Nevertheless, we would urge the Government to go even further - whether that 's consistently reviewing the countries that are on the Green List or continuing to make the cost of testing even cheaper. ”
The Chamber reiterated that the travel industry is still facing significant difficulties and called on government to provide appropriate support.
Mr Kandola added: “We shouldn 't forget that those operating in the industry are still facing serious financial difficulties and it 's essential the Government maintains the appropriate level of support for those organisations such as Birmingham Airport that are still dealing with the terrible fallout from this crisis.
“The Government has a plan for developing a vision for Global Britain - it 's essential it does everything in its power to unlock overseas travel, otherwise those plans will prove to be rather toothless and lack any real meaning without it. ”
A Birmingham Airport spokesperson said: “Allowing double vaccinated passengers to travel without quarantine on return from amber countries, and removing the guidance not to travel to these destinations is very welcomed news as it will allow the reopening of international travel safely from the 19 July.
"This is something we have been calling for and it means that customers will be able to travel to green and amber countries for businesses, leisure or reunite with family without restrictive rules on return.
“We are liaising with our airline partners to understand their restart plans so that we can support the increase in flights and provide customers with a safe and enjoyable experience through Birmingham Airport.
“We await further details from the Government with regards to the lifting of restrictions from the 19 July, specifically for the transport sector in order to continue operating a Covid-secure environment for all airport users. ”