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Atas urges swift review of quarantine rules

The Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers has backed calls for the government to give clarity on its plans to lift blanket quarantine requirements and current restrictions on international travel.

Brian Young, the association’s chair, said: “The government needs to understand the irreparable damage quarantine rules are having on an already struggling travel industry, and the impact this will have on people’s livelihoods. Our 22 member operators employ thousands of people in the UK, and need these blanket quarantine rules to be dropped immediately.

“We support the views outlined by the Quash Quarantine campaign, and agree that the timing of this decision is senseless.  At the very least air bridges need to be negotiated now with all countries that have lifted restrictions and are ready to welcome tourists from the UK.

“The government has stated it is fully engaged in working on air bridges; if this is the case then it must share its plans properly and openly engage the industry rather than compounding the damage caused by an already incoherent approach with further delay and silence.”

Young added: “This issue is not just about the UK economy. The travel product offered by our members directly supports many communities most at need around the world, and these communities rely on our business for the most basic necessities.”

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