The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), an organization that represents the interests of the international business travel community, recently released a press release emphasizing the importance of cooperation between the EU, Canada, and the U.S. to restore safe travels and reboot the economy. GBTA is urging the European Commission, EU governments, Ottawa, and the White House to pursue talks to find a resolution for transatlantic travel, based on reciprocity, proportionality, and the latest scientific advice.
Due to COVID-19, both Canada and numerous member countries of the EU have restricted all non-essential travel (e.g., tourism) for U.S. travelers, citing the increasing numbers of positive cases in the States. A number of other countries, including those on the African and Asian continents, have closed to their borders to all travelers.
Interim Executive Director of GBTA Dave Hilfman
“GBTA has repeatedly called on these governments to adopt a coordinated approach in responding to COVID-19 and the evolving situation. As a select number of countries recently chose to reinstate travel restrictions, we would like to stress the importance of closely following the recommendations of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure consistency and restore consumer confidence in air travel,” said GBTA Interim Executive Director Dave Hilfman. “We encourage open conversations to continue, as well as appropriate communication to the general public. Maintaining transatlantic ties is in the interest of citizens and the economy.”
“Safety is paramount and should weigh heavily in discussions of restarting travel. Contact-tracing applications can effectively help fight the pandemic but can only do so if they are subject to a common set of standards to enable rapid exchange of information and limit the risks of further outbreaks,” said Mark Cuschieri, GBTA Chair European Advisory Board.
You can view a full list of restrictions to and from the U.S. here or here.
Visit gbta.org for more information.
[08.14.20]