The GBTA has voiced its support for a new Digital Green Certificate, unveiled by the European Commission.
The certificate will act as proof that a traveller has been vaccinated against Covid-19, received a negative test result or has recovered from the virus.
It is designed to enable the safe and swift restart of business travel in the EU.
The EC said in order for the certificate to be ready for the summer, the proposal needs a “swift adoption” by the European Parliament and the Council.
Catherine Logan, GBTA Regional VP Europe, said: “We are already witnessing some European countries opening up their borders with differing entry requirements and timelines.
“GBTA is calling for a European-wide solution to facilitate a consistent plan and avoid a fragmented approach across the 27 member countries.
“An EU-wide recognised certificate proposed by the European Commission will help to restart travel after a devastating year for the business travel industry, valued at $392 billion in Europe and $1.43 trillion globally in 2019.
“The need for a quick agreement and speedy, uniform implementation, based on data-driven decisions is crucial to the success of this proposal.”
The EC insisted the certificate was a temporary measure which will be suspended once the WHO declares the end of the international health emergency
It said the certificate is non-discriminatory because it would be available those who are vaccinated and those who are not.
It also stressed that “no personal data” will pass through or be held by member states.
Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, said: “With the Digital Green Certificate, we are taking a European approach to ensure EU citizens and their family members can travel safely and with minimum restrictions this summer.
“The Digital Green Certificate will not be a pre-condition to free movement and it will not discriminate in any way.
“A common EU-approach will not only help us to gradually restore free movement within the EU and avoid fragmentation. It is also a chance to influence global standards and lead by example based on our European values like data protection.”
