Scotland has followed England in announcing fully vaccinated Brits won’t have to quarantine on return from amber-list countries from 19 July.
The move has been welcomed by the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA), but ABTA has urged First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to review Scotland’s advice against non-essential international travel .
SPAA President Joanne Dooey said: “The First Minister’s announcement today is undoubtedly good news. It means that Scottish families will be able to travel back from amber countries without having to quarantine for 10 days, as long as they have been double vaccinated and take a test on day two after their return.
“We expect that enquiries will increase now for summer holidays, but operators and airlines will require time to rearrange packages so it’s unlikely that the travel agent tills will be ringing later today.”
An ABTA spokesperson said: “It is welcome that self-isolation restrictions will ease on 19 July for fully vaccinated individuals returning to Scotland from amber list countries, but the First Minister must urgently review the ongoing advice against ‘non-essential’ international travel.
“It sends mixed signals to people who need a much-deserved break or long to see their friends and family abroad. While this advice remains, confidence to travel from Scotland will remain low and further financial support must be given to travel agents and tour operators, who continue to face the toughest trading conditions of all sectors.”
EasyJet holidays says it is looking forward to working with agents over the next few weeks as ramps up holidays to amber destinations.
CEO Garry Wilson said: “We know how important holidays are and how much the nation has missed jetting off in the last 18 months due to various restrictions and testing requirements, so I think everyone in the industry welcomes the latest travel developments and changes to FCDO advice which means we can take even more people away this summer.
“With summer back on, we’ve put even more holidays on sale to meet the demand. As ever, we’re really grateful to our travel agent partners for their support and commitment to easyJet holidays over the past few months and we’re looking forward to working together to take even more people on a well-deserved break in the coming weeks and months.”
