UK media have reported that Britain’s rules on foreign travel are set to be updated, following a #traveldayofaction yesterday on June 23, that saw trade bodies from across the aviation and travel industries participate in an organised lobby at the Houses of Parliament to put pressure on the UK Government to support a safe return to international travel, as well as ongoing financial support for the industry.
BBC News reported that Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, would meet MPs this morning (June 24), with changes to the traffic light system expected to be confirmed in the afternoon.
Travel trade and industry associations called on the UK government to, amongst others:
- Allow international travel to return safely and in a risk-managed way by properly implementing the Global Travel Taskforce’s plan.
- Bring forward a package of tailored financial support to recognise that the unlocking of international travel, and hence businesses’ ability to trade and generate income, will be much slower than first anticipated, and more gradual than for businesses in the domestic economy.
Yesterday’s day of action was the culmination of intense lobbying and political engagement over the past weeks. Activities ahead of the day included industry association ABTA’s Mark Tanzer appearing at the Treasury Select Committee on June 7 and the parliamentary debate on June 10, which looked at support for the aviation, travel and tourism industries.
Organisers and supporters of the cross-industry day of action included ABTA, Airlines UK, the Airport Operators Association, BAR UK, UKinbound, the Business Travel Association, Advantage Travel Partnership, TTNG, and the other 11 members of the Save Future Travel Coalition, with other industry organisations welcome to join.
The African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA) was also involved in the action day as one of the 11 members of the Save Future Travel Coalition.
