Authorities at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) have insisted that closing borders is counterproductive and will further delay economic recovery. These comments come as a result of a number of nations refusing to allow flights from the UK fearing the new strain of COVID-19 that has been identified. Nations are concerned that the new strain could spread significantly faster than the existing strain.

“Blanket travel bans cannot be the answer”

Gloria Guevara, WTTC chief executive, said: “While protecting public health is paramount, blanket travel bans cannot be the answer.They have not worked in the past and they will not work now.If a comprehensive and quick turnaround testing regime were in place at airports across the country to test all travellers before they depart, it would ensure only those infected with Covid-19 are isolated and are prevented from travelling.”

She added: “There would be no need for countries to introduce damaging and counterproductive wholesale bans on UK travellers.People should not be deterred from travelling because they simply cannot find or arrange to get tested at a local testing centre or lab. We need to make it much easier for travellers to get a test prior to their journey.”

Further, she said: “Travellers pose no higher risk than other members of the community if they follow all the internationally recognised health safety protocols, including the mandatory wearing of masks and regular testing.While we understand the concern and need to curb the spread of Covid-19, the growing number of blunt travel bans are incredibly disruptive and economically damaging.”

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