A BRADFORD travel boss has hailed the lifting of all remaining travel measures introduced in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Tony Mann, director of Idle Travel, says the Government scrapping the remaining restrictions will bring a welcome boost to the travel industry.

The time-consuming passenger locator forms require people to fill in travel details, their address in the UK and vaccination status.

Mr Mann says the restrictions being scrapped will also help take away the queues and stress for staff and passengers at airports.

The locator forms, currently required by all arrivals from outside Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of man, have been used to track people after outbreaks of the virus.

 

Mr Mann hailed the Government’s announcement as fantastic, but also urged passengers to still be aware of any potential restrictions which may be in place at the country of their holiday destination.

He said: “It’s fantastic and a great relief. It has been announced earlier than I thought it would be.

It’s a relief for the industry. It’s a good boost to us really

“It is positive. Every day different countries are taking their restrictions off, in one shape or form.

“We need to carry on and move forward.

“There are still things that need to be done and people need to do their homework. We’re extremely busy.

“I would say to people be aware of what the country you’re travelling to needs in terms of things like passenger locator forms.”

The lifting of the restrictions is also set to give a boost to holiday bookings in time for the Easter holidays next month and to the summer peak.

Meanwhile, Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, has also welcomed the lifting of the remaining restrictions.

He said: “Two years after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, this announcement marks international travel finally returning to normal.

“The removal of needless forms and ineffective testing regimes means that customers can at long last enjoy hassle-free travel, just like they did before the pandemic.

“With Easter just around the corner and Summer fast approaching, this announcement comes at the perfect time.

“Since restrictions started to be eased at the beginning of the year, we have experienced strong, sustained demand and the complete removal of forms and requirements will boost that demand even further.”

Making the official announcement on Monday, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said that changes will mean “you can travel just like in the good old days”.