New travel protocols to limit the spread of COVID-19 should replace isolation periods, according to WTTC.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has emphasised the significant role of inbound international visitors in the economic well-being of the United Kingdom, as highlighted in their 2020 Economic Impact Report.
In 2019, the Travel & Tourism sector contributed a staggering £200 billion GDP to the UK economy, representing 9% of the country's total GDP. This sector also accounted for 4.2% of the UK's total exports, with international visitor spend contributing £28.2 billion.
The WTTC advocates for an internationally recognised rapid and cost-effective testing regime at airports worldwide to avoid exporting the virus. Providing proof of a negative test is considered critical to encourage essential bookings for future flights and holidays.
Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, supports measures to curb COVID-19 but calls for the removal of unnecessary quarantines. She argues that insisting all arriving travelers isolate for ten days or undergo a further test five days later is an unnecessary precaution that could stifle travel and put more pressure on the Travel & Tourism sector.
WTTC suggests requiring inbound travelers to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 pre-departure test to ensure safe travel. However, there is uncertainty around the type of tests that will be accepted upon arrival. The acceptance of tests must be made widely accessible and affordable for all travelers.
The Travel & Tourism sector is a major employer in the UK, accounting for 11% of the country's total workforce, or nearly four million jobs. The continuation of quarantines and unnecessary restrictions will impact forward bookings for international air travel, potentially leading to job losses in the sector.
As of now, no specific countries are reported to require internationally recognised rapid and low-cost COVID-19 testing methods at departure airports as a prerequisite to prevent viral spread. Instead, countries largely focus on vaccination documentation or quarantine protocols, with no universal mandate for such specific testing methods identified in the sources.
The WTTC's 2020 Economic Impact Report underscores the importance of the Travel & Tourism sector to the UK's economy. By implementing the suggested measures, the UK could potentially boost its economy and protect jobs in the sector.
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