Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association said:
 
“Today’s announcement is a huge leap forwards in getting travel back to normal in England, in particular the removal of day 2 tests for those who are double vaccinated. The relaxation of testing rules will make it easier for people to travel abroad for holidays, business and to see friends and family.
 
“As many families look to go abroad over the February half term, these changes will make the process of going on holiday cheaper and easier and will be a big boost for the industry’s recovery.
 
“Consistency across the UK is really important so we now need the Governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to adopt the same approach.
 
“It’s good to see the Government also respond to our calls to simplify the passenger locator form and look to end managed quarantine – which have also been a big deterrent to international travel. We’re also encouraged to hear the Minister commit to looking at how they respond to any future variants; measures such pre-departure tests introduced in the early stages of the Omicron variant were a significant blow to the industry’s recovery and must be avoided in future.”