ABTA Welcomes Governments Confirmation of New 'Traffic Light' System

ABTA says it welcomes the government’s “confirmation that travel will reopen under a new risk-based “traffic light” system” however says they are still waiting to “see the details in the Global Travel Taskforce report before this can be assessed fully”.

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association said: “ABTA has been urging the Government to restart international travel using a tiered approach which manages risk, so we welcome confirmation that travel will reopen under a new risk-based “traffic light” system. However, we need to see the details in the Global Travel Taskforce report before this can be assessed fully.

“A priority for the industry is a more stable system which avoids the situation of last summer where travel to many destinations was quickly turned on and off. It is vital that the Government clarifies how the transition between green, amber and red levels will work, both to help travel businesses plan ahead and to provide reassurance for travellers. Destinations should not be suddenly closed off unless variants of concern dictate that this must happen.

“The goal must be to have unrestricted travel to ‘green’ destinations. At present the costs of testing may be a deterrent to many UK travellers, so the Government must ensure that testing is required only where the public health risk justifies it, and that a cost-effective and efficient testing regime is in place.

“Our research shows that 63% of people hope to book a holiday abroad and those who are keen to travel can book with confidence now. Booking a package holiday through an ABTA Member will offer the best level of protection should circumstances change, with many Members currently offering extremely flexible booking terms.”