The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has welcomed the recommendation that European Union member states drop travel restrictions from 1 March.

The European Commission has recommended member states should accept fully vaccinated and recovered British visitors without COVID tests from next month.

Vaccinated travellers must have received their second dose at least 14 days and no more than 270 days before arrival or have received a booster dose.

The recommendation added: “Member states should also lift the temporary restriction on non-essential travel for persons who have recovered from COVID-19 within 180 days prior to travelling to the EU.”

Children between six and 18 years of age should be allowed to travel if they fulfil the requirements set out for adults or must show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure if they do not.

The recommendations are not legally binding, but it’s expected that member states will follow them.

The EC said countries ‘could also require a negative PCR test taken up to 72 hours before departure and could apply additional measures such as quarantine or isolation’.

WTTC President and Chief Executive Julia Simpson said: “WTTC welcomes the sensible decision by the EU to drop travel restrictions before Easter. 

“The patchwork of rules and regulations did nothing to prevent the spread of COVID but did cause immense damage to the economy of Europe causing the loss of jobs and businesses.

“Now is time to rebuild travel and tourism and connect Europe to the world.”