Worcester is set for a tourism boom after the government announced that double-jabbed EU and US travellers will be allowed to enter the country without quarantining.

Previously, only travellers who received both their vaccinations in the UK were exempt from the ten-day isolation period, but EU and US citizens will soon be joining them.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps announced that the new rules will be in place from 4am on Monday August 2.

And Worcester is set to benefit with tourists flocking to see the Cathedral, its historic buildings such as the Greyfriars and the Commandery or to follow in the footsteps of the city's favourite son Sir Edward Elgar.

MP for Worcester Robin Walker is optimistic about the impending rule changes

He said: “This is another welcome step on the path to unlocking, and returning, to a situation where we can allow tourists in which can only be a good thing for local businesses.

“We will only let people in if they are double vaccinated and if it is one of the recognised vaccines.

“We have seen with the Three Choirs Festival and the elephant parade the fantastic tourism that Worcester has, that will attract visitors from far away shores to the city.”

Lucy Hodson, chair of Worcester City Council’s place and economic development committee, is thrilled about the prospect of a tourism boom.

She said: “Certainly at Worcester city we would welcome USA tourists with open arms. 
“This week we have had the Three Choirs Festival and I know American visitors have come in previous years to the concerts. 

“American tourists as well as tourists from other parts of the world are very important for day visits to the county as well as those that stay longer and will boost the city economy and also the wider county economy.”

Staff at Worcester travel agent’s ArrangeMYescape, on Mealcheapen Street, are equally excited.

General manager, Jennifer Lynch, said: “We are really pleased to hear that borders for England could open for the US. This will most certainly increase the visit numbers for the Worcestershire area.

“It is important that we continue to see a rise in inbound tourism, this keeps our hotels, leisure attractions, local restaurants and bars within Worcestershire in demand.

“After such a difficult time in the tourism and hospitality industries this is a much-needed boost for local businesses.”

The US border remains closed to the UK, and other countries, except for US citizens. 
Ms Lynch added: “I just hope this will be reciprocated agreement for the UK - US travel corridor, allowing fully vaccinated UK travellers to travel to the US without the need for quarantine.

Despite the planned changes, US citizens are being advised not to travel by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the country’s health protection agency.