Warnings that travel industry is 'being scapegoated again' over new restrictions
Conexo Travel in York says new travel restrictions - to combat the spread of the Omicron variant - will dent confidence.
There's been criticism in York about changes to international travel, with concerns that it'll hit consumer confidence.
All passengers arriving in the UK will now have to take a Covid pre-departure test amid fears about the spread of the Omicron variant.
The restrictions - brought in on Tuesday - mean passengers travelling to the UK will have to take either a PCR or a lateral flow test up to a maximum of 48 hours before they depart regardless of their vaccination status.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said:
"We have always said we would act swiftly if we need to if the changing data requires it.
"These are temporary measures we want to remove them as soon as we possibly can, but before we learn more about Omicron it is right that we have these measures in place."
David Carruthers runs Conexo Travel in York, and says this latest move is a blow for them as a company:
"We just feel like we're being scapegoated again. We've just been getting back on our feet again and seeing more confidence, and the rug has been pulled from under our feet.
"It's dented confidence in people to travel; this will definitely have an impact. We understand that the Government are concerned about Omicron, yet there's no clamour for testing to go into concerts or football matches. What about getting on a train? Or a coach?
"To blame international travel isn't fair. Our infection rate numbers vastly exceed some other countries. It's not fair and it's not right. If they're going to restrict international travel then the Government need to step up to the plate and support the travel industry.
"Time and time again we're ignored".
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said it had acted in part because new analysis by the UK Health and Security Agency (HSA) suggested the window between infection and infectiousness may be shorter for the Omicron variant.
It said this increased the efficacy of pre-departure testing, making it more likely it would to identify positive cases before travel.
David says support will be needed if more restrictions come in:
"We're a responsible travel agent - as soon as we hear anything we contact our clients and inform them. Some people overseas are on holiday and aren't necessarily watching what is going on back in the UK.
"Omicron is already here in the UK, so we can't keep it out. If it's as transmissible as people say it is then it's going to spread anyway.
"They've changed the testing system, but why do you have to do a PCR test? Why is it good enough to have a lateral flow test to get on the plane, but not good enough two days after you get back? It costs people money.
"If people do have to do the tests they should pay a reasonable amount. I suspect ultimately that the Government will reverse the decision of testing in resort, otherwise they're going to have to support the travel industry".