Covid-19: UK Travel Rule Change for Spain is ‘Disastrous’, Says WTTC

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) recently said that the UK government’s decision to revert Spain to its at-risk countries list is “disastrous” for the hard-pressed Travel & Tourism industry, both in Spain and the UK.

The UK government announced on Saturday that travellers arriving in the UK from Spain must quarantine for 14 days. The decision follows a spike in the number of new coronavirus (Covid-19) cases in Spain last week.

“Requiring UK travellers returning from Spain to once again quarantine for 14 days will be hugely disappointing for thousands of UK holidaymakers… While the health and safety of travellers – as well as those who work within the Travel & Tourism industry – is paramount, this move will be a bitter blow for those holidaymakers already in Spain who will now be forced into isolation when they return home,” WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara said.

According to the WTTC, quarantines do nothing to help restore consumer confidence at a time when people need to be encouraged to return to travelling, to give a hope of saving some of the 2020 summer season.

The WTTC is urging governments to consider local lockdowns instead of closing entire country’s borders.

“Painting an entire country with the same brush does not benefit anyone. While we understand the concern about destinations like Spain with new Covid-19 cases, the majority of the country and its islands, which are incredibly popular holiday destinations, have less cases than the UK,” Guevara said.

“We encourage the government to consider solutions which reduce the impact on holidaymakers and those whose livelihoods depend upon Travel & Tourism,” she added.

Travelers that are already in Spain or are planning to go to the country from the UK, should regularly check Foreign Office (FCO) travel advice.