The Chief Executive of the East Midlands Chamber, which represents the interests of business in the three counties, has responded to the Government update to the 'green list' for international travel.
Scott Knowles said: “Adding more countries to the green list – including destinations such as the Balearic Islands and Malta, which are popular with holidaymakers using East Midlands Airport – is a step in the right direction for opening up international travel.
“However, with infection rates falling across many destinations, and the number of adults having received two vaccinations continuing to grow, today’s delayed announcement doesn’t go far enough.
“We welcome the Transport Secretary’s announcement that fully vaccinated people will soon not have to isolate when returning from amber list countries, and would urge the Government to introduce this policy at the earliest opportunity.
“This would provide the certainty needed by consumers, businesses and the aviation industry – which has received no tailored support package throughout the pandemic – that international travel would be here to stay, and not be turned on and off like a tap.
“In the meantime, Government should keep these lists under constant review rather than waiting until set dates to make updates. After months of confusion and frustration among the travel sector and its customers, Government must be transparent about the criteria by which decisions are made – and must be as swift at adding countries as it is at removing them if the industry is to salvage any kind of a summer.”