More are likely to book US trips after abolition of pre-departure testing

The abolition of pre-departure testing will make more than half of people more likely to book travel to the US in the next six month, new research reveals.

A further 37% said said the news affects the likelihood of them booking a trip to the US.

Only 11% said the end of the testing requirement would make them less likely to book US travel.

The lifting of the obligation to test negative for Covid-19 last week also meant that more than a third (36%) of Americans would be more likely to travel internationally by the end of the year, with 20% less likely.

The remaining 44% said the removal of testing would not impact their intention to travel overseas.

The findings cam from data firm MMGY Travel Intelligence based on a survey of  774 Americans and 436 Britons on June 12.

Respondents were also questioned about non-Covid related concerns. 

Three in five Americans (59%) said the cost of international air fares and accommodation will impact their decision to travel, and 47% cited concerns about their personal safety related to violence and unrest.

British respondents marginally less concerned about costs and safety when traveling to the US.

Forty-nine percent said flying costs and lodging will impact their decision to travel to America, and 39% said their personal safety concerns will impact their decisions.

In general, Americans’ intentions to travel have remained fairly consistent over the last year, though international travel recovery has lagged behind domestic travel. The study found that 65% of American plan a trip on holiday in the next six months.

MMGY global chief executive Clayton Reid said: “The travel industry has been lobbying for this restriction to be lifted for months because the scientific data did not support a need for it. 

“This is now the removal of an important barrier for continuing international travel recovery, both inbound and outbound US.  

“However, our industry still needs to monitor how inflation and concerns around safety and social unrest are impacting travellers’ decisions. In our data, these are very real challenges.”