Following recent news that the UK will not be taking part in an EU-led data-sharing project to reboot tourism; Ralph Hollister, Travel & Tourism Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view on the situation:
“Delayed reaction to slow the spread and buffer the economic impact of COVID-19, combined with current rules regarding social distancing and quarantining is significantly delaying the recovery of the UK travel sector.
“The UK now seems to be obstructing progress even further by opting out of an information sharing scheme led by the EU. The failure to adhere to this informative idea could mean that Great Britain will become further isolated from its European neighbors. This reluctance may deter countries from attempting to strike up conversation around setting up air bridges with the UK.
“A European commission spokesman stated the UK was not included as the government asked not to be involved in the project. Many countries within Europe have now reopened borders to allow travel within the EU Schengen Zone, without implementing quarantines at either side. The UK seems to be falling behind as other tourism economies begin to re-start.
“The online platform created through the data sharing project is supposed to ease uncertainty by providing European travelers with the appropriate information to confidently make their plans and stay safe during their trip. According to GlobalData’s week 10 (26-31 May) consumer survey, 43% of global respondents are still ‘extremely concerned’ about the outbreak of COVID-19. This platform will serve to decrease some of this concern, whilst helping to maximize tourist flows.
“Tourism leaders in the UK have already been voicing their concerns regarding recent government actions. The UK’s compulsory 14-day quarantine for inbound travelers has been met with fierce criticism. Facing considerable losses should this measure last a year – as initially planned – British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair have applied for a judicial review of this measure at the British High Court, a request that would benefit from support by other major players in the tourism sector.”
