Introduction of hotel quarantines by the UK government could force the complete collapse of Travel & Tourism: Gloria Guevara

Acknowledging the ineffectiveness of quarantines in the past, WTTC maintains that the introduction of hotel quarantines will lead to the total collapse of travel and tourism in UK.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) maintains that the introduction of hotel quarantines by the UK government will lead to the total collapse of Travel and Tourism that adds about £200 billion to the UK economy.

Addressing the matter, Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO said, “The UK Travel & Tourism sector is in a fight for survival - it’s that simple. With the sector in such a fragile state, the introduction of hotel quarantines by the UK government could force the complete collapse of Travel & Tourism.”

She highlighted that the Travellers and holidaymakers would get dissuaded from booking business or leisure trips if they have to pay to get isolated in a hotel. This step would also cause a drastic drop in revenues throughout the sector.

Guevara further added, “From airlines to travel agents, travel management companies to holiday companies and beyond, the effect on UK travel businesses would be devastating, further delaying the economic recovery. Even the threat of such action is enough to cause consternation and serious alarm.”

Commenting on the measures introduced by the UK government, she stated, “WTTC believes the measures introduced by the government just last week - proof of a pre-departure COVID-19 test, followed by short quarantine and another test if necessary, could stop the virus in its tracks, and still allow the freedom to travel safely.”

According to Guevara, several countries, such as Iceland, have successfully implemented a testing regime on arrival, which has curbed the spread, whilst ensuring borders remain open. She believes that these measures must be given ample time to work.

“Despite the current gloom, we truly believe there is room for optimism and a brighter future ahead. Business travel, visiting families, and holidays can return with a combination of an internationally recognised testing regime, vaccines, and mandatory mask-wearing,” she said.

“These simple but highly effective measures, if implemented properly, could aid the revival of a sector which will be essential to powering the UK and global economic recovery,” she concluded.

WTTC acknowledges that even after enforcing forced quarantines post travels, the evidence does not support that this measure always works.

Moreover, the government’s figures prove that quarantines have not successfully lowered the proliferation of COVID-19.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and other significant organisations, have accepted that quarantines are not a vital public health measure and obstruct travel.


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