The travel industry has risen up today for Travel Day of Action railing against the traffic light system.

Teams have flocked to Westminster in London to take a stand against the ongoing Covid restrictions.

Independent travel businesses are calling on the Government to expand the green list and make restrictions on international travel “more proportionate”.

Travel bosses say travel’s recovery depends on the strict rules being eased. Many took to Twitter to air their demands and frustrations.

Janet Parton, Sales Director at Cosmos and Avalon Waterways, tweeted: “Hundreds of thousands of jobs lost, zero income for 18 months and an industry on it knees.

“The rules imposed by @BorisJohnson @grantshapps just don’t make sense. We need to resume travel and we must save the travel industry. NOW!”

Neil Sealy, Head of Trade Sales at luxury tour operator Exsus Travel posted: “The travel industry is calling on the Govt to implement the #trafficlight system as intended so travel can resume properly this summer and offer a package of tailored financial support to help businesses through the crisis.”

AiTO wrote: “The Government continues to ignore the travel industry despite ONS figures showing that we’ve been the most affected industry in the last 15 months. All of AITO HQ will be taking part in the #traveldayofaction as we hope that we will finally be listened to.”

The cruise industry has also backed the cause. CLIA tweeted: “We’re part of the #SaveFutureTravel coalition which brings together the travel industry and is calling for more support for the travel industry and the safe restart of international travel.”

One post has proven particularly powerful for Twitter users. Tweeted by “travel nut” Chris Wright, it read: “Imagine saying to a pub Great news you can open up.

“You can’t sell any drinks though BUT – here’s the good bit – You need all your staff back and extras, because every day people are going to turn up and you have to give them their money back.#traveldayofaction #SpeakUpForTravel.”

The movement has received backing from British Chambers of Commerce which tweeted: “Travel plays a vital role in everyone’s lives – bringing families and friends together, connecting businesses and offering hardworking people a well-deserved break. Govt must look at ways to allow international travel to return safely this summer.”

MPs have also lent their support. Hew Merriman posted: On #TravelDayOfAction, I will join the industry and #SpeakUpForTravel. The industry has been the worst affected sector by the #pandemic and needs tailored financial support.