Travel firms are considering legal action against the government over the restrictions on foreign trips

Mark Tanzer, chief executive of travel trade organisation Abta said that they want to know what analysis the government undertook over the impact on the travel rules.

Tanzer was asked at the Travel Matters conference whether Abta could sue the government, he said, “We’re looking at whether or not that is an avenue that we can pursue.

“The hurdle for suing the government is high but we think at least the government needs to say, did it measure the impact on the travel sector of its own policies, and if it did, did it then decide that the sector nonetheless wasn’t worthy of support.”

The Ata chief issued a “heartfelt plea for political change” over restrictions on international travel – and said foreign travel is influenced by several department and warned the sector cannot be a “political orphan.”

Tanzer added, “Clear accountability for the welfare of the outbound travel sector needs to be given to a designated minister.

“Our economic contribution is weighty.

“More money is spent in the UK by British citizens prior to travelling abroad than is spent by international visitors and the job creation or destruction potential is huge.

“I say to government; put aside any misguided prejudices against outbound travel. We are ready to work together, show us that you are.”

The Prime Minister warned on Monday that this is “going to be a difficult year” for “foreign travel” to prevent the virus entering England.

Speaking during a visit to a laboratory in Hertfordshire, Boris Johnson said, “I want to stress that this is going to be, whatever happens, a difficult year for travel.

“There will be hassle, there will be delays, I am afraid, because the priority has got to be to keep the country safe and stop the virus coming back in.”