PCRs ‘will force us off the travel map’

TOUR operators are bypassing Scotland because the SNP has failed to scrap expensive travel tests, industry chiefs have warned.

They say the decision to force passengers to continue to take PCR tests when they arrive back in Scotland could ‘destroy hopes of recovery’ next year.

There are also fears Scotland’s airports will suffer a slower increase in bookings than rivals south of the Border.

The Scottish Government said on Friday it will end the travel traffic light system. But it diverged from the UK Government by keeping the need for passengers to book a pre-departure test and PCR test on the second day after they return.

The average cost is between £60 and £120 per person.

Tourism business leaders yesterday signed an open letter to SNP ministers urging action on the issue. Scottish Tourism Alliance chief executive Marc Crothall said: ‘The Scottish Government’s latest decision on international travel restrictions, specifically around daytwo testing, has caused serious alarm across the travel, tourism and hospitality sector.

‘It could destroy any hopes of recovery in 2022.’

Last week, the Scottish Government called PCR tests ‘an important part of border health surveillance to minimise the risk of importing variants of concern’.

But Edinburgh Airport reported that one tour operator has already switched bookings from Edinburgh to Newcastle as a result of the rule difference with England.

Rebecca Brooks, managing director of tour operator Abbey UK, said: ‘The Scottish Government’s incomprehensible decision to diverge from the UK Government in maintaining PCR testing for fully vaccinated international visitors ensures no international recovery in the short to medium term.

‘Inbound operators are now facing a third year with little to no business whilst this colossal disadvantage remains.’ The open letter was signed by 44 business leaders, including trade bodies and companies, such the EICC, P&J Live, SEC and the Scottish Golf Tourism Development Group.

It described the policy as ‘economic self-harm’.

Scottish Chambers of Commerce chief executive Dr Liz Cameron said the decision ‘touches every part of our economy’.

She added: ‘Do we seriously believe our economy will grow without being accessible to the world? We need to see the data which has driven this decision which is completely contradictory to leading global scientific evidence.’

UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps yesterday told the Commons the rule divergence ‘is incredibly confusing for passengers... that takes money out of the Scottish economy, it threatens jobs in Scotland.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘No decision has been made as yet regarding day two PCR testing.

‘Any decision will be informed by clinical advice and analysis of the economic implications.’

‘It has caused serious harm’