Amber list travel rules change ‘does nothing for UK’s inbound economy’

From Monday 19 July fully vaccinated British adults returning to England from amber list countries will no longer need to isolate, however the boss of UKinbound has criticised the move which he said will do “nothing for the UK’s inbound visitor economy”.

The news was announced on Twitter earlier today by transport secretary Grant Shapps.

Joss Croft, chief executive of UKinbound, said: “Whilst this may be welcome news for Brits travelling overseas this summer, this decision does nothing for the UK’s inbound visitor economy. By keeping Britain closed, we are losing £70m a day in exports, businesses are on the brink, our cities remain empty and viable businesses are prevented from even beginning their recovery.

“As we approach the 19th, our inbound visitor economy remains neglected and forgotten by the government, far from talk of freedom this decision risks being the final nail in the coffin for an industry that will be vital to our national recovery. The UK’s fifth largest export sector is dying on its knees, and the government must provide more support, including furlough extension and targeted grants, whilst rapidly implementing vaccination certification reciprocity for inbound, as it has done for outbound.”

Merilee Karr, chair of the UK Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA) and chief executive of short-term rental company UnderTheDoormat, said she was “pleased” the transport secretary had announced “a more pragmatic approach”, but added: “We would like to see conversations happening now with the government about how we fully open up the country to double vaccinated travellers from green and amber countries and encourage more international visitors to come to the UK this summer.”