Murray Burnett, managing director of Munro’s Travel, specialists in travel management for the energy and marine sectors, says of the red list changes: “The changes which remove 47 countries from the red list, meaning compulsory hotel quarantine is no longer required on return, will give corporate travellers their first real confidence to travel since March 2020.
“Many of the destinations no longer on the red list are centres of energy industry projects. Whilst the majority of oil and gas and marine workers were classified as essential workers throughout the pandemic and were able to travel globally, we anticipate that there will be a sharp rise in corporate travel as these global destinations open up again.
“The changes to red list countries which have been announced by the UK government have also dovetailed, for the large part, with changes to Foreign, and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) travel advice made this week. However, this advice can change from day to day, and corporate travellers should always check their insurance policies as these can be nullified if employees travel against the advice of the FCDO.
“Airlines are already increasing their services to countries previously on the red list, and the news that the UK will lift quarantine requirements from the previous red list countries and will recognise the vaccination programmes of many more countries, is all extremely positive for the sector. However, the next major announcement which business travellers need is the confirmed date for the opening up of travel for the fully vaccinated traveller to the USA. Other than the indication that this would be in ‘early November’ there has been radio silence from America since then on a firm date.”
Munro’s is a travel management company offering complete travel management for the global energy industry. Established in 1903, Munro’s is leading independent travel management company in the UK and has a client base of over 300 energy sector organisations. More about Munro’s can be found at www.munrostravel.com.