The business travel industry is hopeful the Government will slash the number of countries on its travel red list when it makes its latest update this week.

National media is quoting Whitehall sources as saying dozens of destinations will be removed from the highest risk group in an announcement expected tomorrow (Thursday).

Clive Wratten, CEO of the Business Travel Association, said: “The BTA is hopeful for a great reduction in the number of countries on the red list.

“It is imperative that the Government gives greater transparency as to its decision making and looks to make these changes permanent.

“This will allow businesses to get travelling with confidence once more, giving the global economy a vital shot in the arm.”

Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO, said: “Our research clearly shows that while the global travel and tourism sector is beginning to recover from the ravages of Covid-19, there are still too many restrictions in place and an uneven vaccine rollout, resulting in a slower than expected recovery of just under a third this year.

“The Prime Minister has an opportunity to help revive the sector faster by removing the UK red list policy and enabling stress free international travel for all of those fully-vaccinated.”

There are 54 countries still on the red list, including South Africa, Mexico, Brazil and Thailand.

These countries require a hotel quarantine on arrival in the UK.