HARWICH is set to benefit from an influx of tourists after quarantine restrictions were lifted today for fully-vaccinated passengers arriving from amber countries in Europe and the USA.

It comes as part of a range of new measures designed to drive forward the reopening of international travel.

The move has been welcomed by Stena Line, one of the world’s leading ferry operators, which provides services from Harwich.

Simon Palmer, of Stena Line, said it has been a long time coming after half of the firm’s business was lost during the pandemic.

“Stena Line has been operating 24/7 throughout the pandemic in order to ensure vital supplies of freight kept flowing between the UK and the continent,” he said.

“This is despite the loss of our travel passengers, which make up half of our business.

“Our Harwich ferries are huge ships and, after sailing ferries empty of passengers for 18 months, we can’t wait to get people back onboard travelling safely on our big, bright, and airy ferries.

“We welcome the fact there is now no differentiation between people who have been vaccinated in the UK to the EU, however, there are still restrictions when people enter the Netherlands.

“So, while this is a start, we need people to be allowed to visit the UK and return to continent without having to quarantine and for that we need the Netherlands to reciprocate. Hopefully this will come soon.

“While travellers from the EU and UK residents returning will now be exempt from quarantine in the UK, if they are fully vaccinated, they must remember they still have to fill out a PLF form and undertake a pre-travel test.”

Alex Porter, Tendring councillor responsible for leisure and tourism added: “Having an international port in our district, serving both a regular ferry service to Europe and cruise ships, is a real opportunity for Tendring in terms of attracting visitors.

“We have paid attention to this potential source of visitors – with tourism a key part of our economy – particularly with regards to our Mayflower 400 work, and will continue to do so.

“Provided visitors come and respect our district, following Covid-secure rules, we welcome them to enjoy everything Tendring has to offer.”