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

According to Malvern Hills District Council’s tourism officer, Victoria Carmen, overseas visitors contributed £6,528,00 to the area in 2019 with overall tourism in Malvern valued at £145m, supporting over 2,000 jobs.

She said: “While most of this comes from within the UK, international tourism is a growing part of our visitor economy so it's crucial we open up international travel, in a safe way that doesn't jeopardise our progress with the vaccine rollout, as soon as possible. The easing of restrictions on American visitors is a welcome first step.”

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 come in on Monday August 2 at 4am.

Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, is optimistic about the upcoming changes.

She said: “I do hope that we can recognise each other’s vaccinations and that separated families and friends, as well as tourists, can be welcomed back to Malvern.”

Councillor Daniel Walton, portfolio holder for economic development and tourism, is expecting the number of overseas tourists to rise.

He said: “We've already seen a huge increase in the number of visitors to the Malvern Hills district from within the UK - so much so that one of our biggest issues is ensuring that there are enough places to stay but we really do welcome American tourists back.

“We have a great offering for tourists of all nationalities. One of the things that visitors will find in Malvern, if they've not had the opportunity to visit over the last 18 months or so, is that many of our strong local independent retailers are still here and more are opening up. It remains a very vibrant district.”

“Safely opening up our boarders again to visitors is a great boom for the local economy it's a great place to visit.”