Green list inspires confidence to book


Ian Taylor


Expansion of the green list is a priority for the industry as major new research suggests consumers are almost three times as likely to book a green destination as an amber one. Two in five UK adults are


considering an overseas holiday in the next 12 months and more than half of these (51%) are likely to book a green destination compared with 18% who would consider amber destinations, a survey by BVA BDRC revealed exclusively to Travel Weekly suggests. However, one in four said


they would not book anywhere under the traffic light system. The research, conducted


in the week of May 17 when limited outbound holiday travel resumed, suggests lack of confidence that trips will go ahead is a major factor. Asked whether they were


confident an overseas trip could go ahead, just 32% responded ‘yes’ to a booking for July, 39% for August, 44% for September and 46% for October. By contrast, 54% of respondents were confident domestic holidays would go ahead in July and 60% in August. Almost two-thirds


(63%) blamed government restrictions for their lack of confidence, with 61% concerned at the risk of quarantine on return to the


Jon Young


People need


reassurances that restrictions won’t change at the drop of a hat


UK and 52% worried about having to quarantine in a destination. The researchers noted: “At no


point this year are more than half the UK population confident an overseas trip would go ahead.” At the same time, only a


minority (23%) felt ‘very confident’ they understood the traffic light system, rising to two in five (38%) among those planning an overseas trip. However, an additional 49% were ‘fairly confident’ meaning almost nine out of 10 felt they have a reasonable understanding. BVA BDRC director Jon Young


said: “People need reassurances that restrictions won’t change at the drop of a hat, leaving them needing to unexpectedly quarantine.” However, he noted: “The


dominance of government restrictions in driving low confidence may provide a chink of light for the travel industry. It suggests confidence will increase if restrictions continue


to be reduced.” BVA BDRC polled


1,750 UK adults in the week of May 17 for its forthcoming Holiday Trends


2021 report. i Read more, back page


Trade prays for g Ian Taylor


Industry leaders demanded substantial additions to the green list of destinations in a government review due as Travel Weekly went to press, but sources downplayed expectations “in light of the uncertainty”. An announcement was


expected on Thursday of which countries, and perhaps some islands, will join the green list from Monday, June 7. Media reports suggested Malta,


However, an industry source STORY TOP


noted the announcement had been expected just before the bank holiday and suggested the delay “indicates they’re holding off in light of the current uncertainty. It doesn’t bode well for a wider reopening, not that we expected much of an opening [from June 7].” The source insisted “a


number of destinations could meet the government’s criteria and be on the list”, but argued the June 28 review – which will combine the next


some Greek islands, Finland and several islands in the Caribbean could join the list. Leading industry figures demanded more. EasyJet chief executive Johan


Lundgren insisted “much of Europe could be opened to safe travel” and Tui northern region managing director Andrew Flintham argued: “Islands like the Balearics and the Canaries could move to the green list”.


4 3 JUNE 2021


review of the green list and the first ‘checkpoint’ of the traffic light system – remains a more important date. The outcome appears


increasingly bound up with whether the government decides to lift all domestic restrictions from June 21. That decision is due on June 14. “Everything hinges on June 21,”


said the source. “June 21 will dictate what is announced for travel and aviation from June 28. There will be


travelweekly.co.uk


Some islands in the Caribbean were this week being mooted as possible additions to the UK’s green list


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