Travel policy changes welcomed, but much more needed, say LCCI

Tuesday 24 November 2020

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry has today welcomed the Government moving to introduce testing to cut the travel 'quarantine' period, and provide long-overdue financial support for the aviation sector - but LCCI warn that the testing policy must rapidly evolve for London's economy to recover.

Richard Burge, Chief Executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “London businesses have been greatly impacted by a loss of tourism and business travel revenue in 2020. Whilst it is welcome that the Government’s travel quarantine policy is evolving and will boost the aviation sector through an upturn in holidays, I feel it’s unlikely to boost inbound visits and business travel.

"To really recover the capital’s economy and its global influence, we need the policy to rapidly evolve further to ensure either pre-departure testing, or on arrival.”

Richard added:

“Whilst we await full detail, it is welcome that the Government has also provided long-overdue financial support to London’s airports, to help them during a period where low footfall is likely to continue.”