On Friday (3 July), the government published a list of 74 countries and territories from which Brits can return without having to self-isolate for a fortnight when they get back.
It also published a second list of 67 countries and territories exempted from the Foreign Office’s blanket advisory against all non-essential travel worldwide.
Many destinations though still have their own inbound travel restrictions, which range from complete border closures to 14-day quarantine requirements and testing on arrival regimes.
Advantage chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said said the announcement, while welcome, had proved "confusing" for agents and consumers, and hampered efforts to convert holiday demand over the weekend.
"Our members did not see the anticipated spike in bookings on Saturday 4 July and onwards into this week," she said. "We have analysed the government’s list and have created our own simplified version to help agents best advise customers and cut through the confusion."
Advantage’s list features two groups; green countries are those where there is no quarantine currently required in destination or on arrival back into the UK, and no additional Covid-19 checks. This currently features 15 countries, including popular destinations such as Spain, Italy, France and Croatia.
Amber countries are those where no quarantine is currently required in destination or the UK, but where there are some Covid-19 testing requirements. This list includes 19 countries, such as Germany, Greece, Malta, Turkey and parts of the Caribbean.
Lo Bue-Said added the list was another asset added to the consortium’s "Say Hello To" campaign, launched last week. "We hope it will help those agents who have had a spike in enquiries convert those into bookings," she said.
"The list also supports our over-arching ‘Count On Us’ campaign which urges consumers thinking about booking a holiday to talk to a travel agent who will give them expert advice and the best support for all of their future travel plans.”
You can view and download Advantage’s guide below.
