Quarantine-free travel from the UK to mainland Europe will not be allowed before the end of next month, according to a travel expert.
Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency said it was his “clear understanding” that ministers “do not intend to open up travel to mainland Europe or the USA before the end of July”.
He joined other travel sector bosses, including easyJet’s CEO, in voicing their frustration at the limited green list released earlier this month.
Mr Charles claims that the reopening of travel, particularly in terms of tourism, had been “sacrificed by ministers watching their backs,” Lancs Live reported.
Portugal and other countries such as Malta, Morocco, and Grenada should be on the green list but decisions being made on restrictions were “highly political, not based on data at all”, Mr Charles claimed.
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Those arriving in the UK from a green country are not required to self-isolate, whereas amber arrivals must quarantine at home for 10 days.
There were hopes that destinations such as Spain, France, Italy, and the US would be added to the green list ahead of the peak summer holiday season.
But, Mr Charles added: “Ministers have fallen into line to protect their future careers and potentially benefit from an upcoming Cabinet reshuffle. And that means sacrificing the early opening of the overseas travel sector.
“Now thousands of jobs are at risk – as are some airlines and travel firms – because June and July will be lost in travel terms.”
Mr Charles said…