East Midlands Business Chamber says changes to the green list in international travel is a dent in holidaymakers' confidence - and a 'disaster' for aviation industry.

Responding to the Government's announcement that Portugal will be moved to the amber list for international travel, with no countries added to the green list, East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: "Changes to the green list simply cause more confusion for holidaymakers, ultimately putting many people off from travelling and heaping huge pressure on the aviation industry.

"When the Government announced its traffic light system for international travel a month ago, it felt like a step in the right direction and a sensible approach to cautiously reopening our borders, with more countries to be added to the green list at each review point.

"Instead, we've just taken a big step back by removing the country that was by far the most popular among East Midlands and wider UK holidaymakers on the green list, with other countries taking its place, and informing people already in Portugal they may now have to quarantine on their return."

The decision has been sorely felt in the region with East Midlands Airport directly affected.

Knowles added: "This feels a lot like the chaos of last summer, when quarantine rules changed midway through trips for many holidaymakers and caused problems for both employers and employees upon their return.

"We always feared there may be some residual anxiety and hesitation this summer and the Government's first key decision on this matter has only deepened this loss of confidence.

"Many travellers will now understandably feel it isn't worth the time and effort to book a trip.

"This is a disaster for the aviation industry, which looks set for another year of struggle.

"Having received no bespoke Government support throughout the pandemic, this simply must change now if we want it to be here when we get to the other side."