Britain ‘opens’ the door to foreign tourism amid the Covid-19 pandemic

The UK will allow international travel to resume from May 17. However, the restriction on destinations has disappointed some airlines and travel businesses.
Only 12 countries and territories are on the UK government’s “green list”, including Portugal, Israel, New Zealand, Australia and the Faroe Islands. Nearly all of the major British tourist destinations are off this list. People traveling to “green list” countries will have to undergo two COVID-19 tests, one before returning to the UK and the other within two days of returning.

The top four destinations, Spain, France, Italy and the United States, were eliminated, angering airlines and travel agencies as they continue to struggle to survive. Travelers returning from these four countries are still required to self-isolate upon their return to the UK. Turkey – a major destination is also off the list, tourists have to spend 10 days in quarantine and pay for themselves at the hotel. Despite lifting the ban on foreign travel, the British Government still advises people to avoid traveling to countries in the red or amber yellow bands on the Covid-19 warning map. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said it was the first step in Britain’s cautious return to international travel, with measures prioritizing protecting public health and ensuring no damage. achievements in recent years. Comercio Square (Lisbon, Portugal) amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Source: Reuters Many travel centers, airlines and tour operators in Southern Europe have been eagerly waiting for the “big guests” from the UK, but they will have to wait a few more months. Meanwhile, after Portugal entered the UK government’s “green list”, bookings increased by 250% in just a few days, according to statistics from Thomas Cook and Club Med. TUI also said it has added more flights to Portugal. Airlines, airports and travel businesses think the UK Government is being overly cautious; and such limited opening will continue to hinder the tourism industry, which already has many effective solutions to ensure safety. Representatives from Heathrow Airport and British Airways both called on the government to add more countries to the “green list” and allow fully vaccinated people to travel without restrictions. An opinion piece from the British Airline Pilots Association said: “This excessive caution by the government is extremely disappointing to all who work in the travel sector.”