STAA Calls for Easing of UK Entry Restrictions to be Extended to More Countries to Help Spark Recovery

The UK Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA) has welcomed this week’s long-awaited reopening of UK borders to international travellers through the easing of travel restrictions for vaccinated visitors from Europe and the US.

It now wants the easing of restrictions to be extended to travellers from even more countries as an influx of foreign visitors will provide a much needed boost to the industry’s recovery.

International visitors are a vital component of the UK’s tourism and hospitality sectors, especially in cities.

Although it’s later than hoped for, the fact that international travellers can now come to the UK will make a significant difference to the industry’s well-being for the rest of this year.

The association believes a broader list of countries from which the UK can accept visitors will help accelerate the return of business and leisure visitors to cities.

Whilst the boom in UK staycations has resulted in coastal and countryside accommodation reaching record levels of business, city-based accommodation providers are operating at lower occupancy levels because of the low number of bookings from international tourists and business travellers.

Merilee Karr, Chair of the STAA and CEO of UnderTheDoormat said:

“We are of course very happy that the Government has eased the restrictions on entry to the UK for some international visitors who are fully vaccinated.”

“While later than we had hoped, the return of international travellers will start to make a difference to supporting the industry recovery after two summers which have been impacted.”

“The UK still needs a broader approach to a return to cities including business travel to ensure that the full recovery is realised.”

“In addition to companies and hosts in our sector, it is important for the supply chains and local businesses that benefit from our guests coming here and spending money.”

“With our sector leading the recovery in accommodation with private homes a product that consumers are increasingly choosing, we look forward to a full reopening so that we can play an important role in the overall recovery.”

“We are particularly delighted that visitors from the US and European Union will be able to come to London on 14 September for the Short Stay Summit, the industry’s first in-person conference since the pandemic began.”