72-hour Quarantine-free Trips Will Revive International Business Travel

As per the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), International business travel can restart if an agreement is secured to safeguard the journeys of 72 hours from quarantine. This joint recommendation for a stay exemption comes from the following:

 A: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)

 B: European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)

Both ECDC and EAS have collaborated in rallying for an exemption on the quarantine for the people who are travelling for less than 72 hours. As per WTTC, which represents the global travel private sector has endorsed this move could enable the international business travels' returns. 

WTTC states that it does agree with the ECDC and EASA, who have called out the travellers to be not considered under high-risk in the possibility to spread out infection. Unfortunately, these recommendations do fall short as they fail to address any quarantine replacement for the testing regime at the departure. As it is said that quarantines have been causing damage to the global travel and tourism sector already struggling. 

 WTTC president and CEO Gloria Guevara said: "The revival of international business travel is crucial to kickstarting the global economic recovery, as last year, inbound international business travel across Europe accounted for USD 111.3 billion while globally it accounted for more than USD 272 billion. The EASA/ECDC proposed guidelines to exempt passengers from quarantines for travel of 72 hours or less would be a significant step in the direction towards the wholesale revival of business travel."

She further stated that “While we welcome all initiatives, which could lead to the revival of international travel, we hope to persuade EASA and ECDC to focus on testing at departure, rather than at the point of entry, so as to reduce the possibility of onboard transmission aircraft and reduce unnecessary barriers to travel,”

 The guidelines that came from ECDC or EASA have considered reducing the likelihood for the infection of those who have been travelling for shorter periods, i.e., those passengers. 

 - Who are expecting to return within 72 hours

 - Where there is limited contacts with the local population and restricted social interaction. 
 

As per the suggestion, travellers should be free from the quarantine or COVID-19 rules or regulations until and unless there are some significant COVID virus symptoms. However, keeping in mind that all of those who are travelling or are going to travel should adhere to rules and regulations that include maintaining social distancing and protecting themselves.

According to Global Travel Taskforce’s report, the proposal is assessed by the UK government and should it be passed, will give a massive boost to the economy.