Seven nations previously on the UK’s amber travel list have been added to the green list, including Germany, Austria and Norway. India, as well as Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE, have also been moved from the red list to the amber list in the latest review of the Government’s traffic light system for international travel. This means that those who visit these countries will no longer have to book a quarantine hotel package for when they return to England.

This will be welcome news for many, but particularly for businesses and world leaders as they look to scale up and forge new relationships with a rapidly changing world. International travel is often vital for building these links, with Zoom meetings often only going so far and unable to replicate on-the-ground experience.

Although concerns remain, the move indicates a slow return to normal that may soon see international trade missions, such as Boris Johnson’s to India, resume. This has been said to be particularly important for post-Brexit Britain and the trading relationships the UK needs to build in order to sustain economic growth, make the most out of the rapidly growing emerging markets and Asian economies, and replace trade with the EU.

Gaurav Singh, founder of JPIN VCATS, comments on what international travel means for business leaders

“Resuming business travel and the relationships and economic value this provides is a priority for business leaders and governments the world over. We have seen the value in experience on-the-ground in countless examples in our work connecting businesses and investors from around the world, the Zoom meeting can only go so far.

India is a top priority for good reason – it is growing exponentially and will be the centre of world trade in the coming decades, and building a trading relationship here is particularly important. To stay ahead, Britain and its world-class startups, investors and large companies must look at the potential there and take note – which might well mean safely travelling in person”.