The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has created “Safe Travels” global safety and hygiene certification, backed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and more than 200 CEOs in the tourism sector.
Popular incentive destinations, including Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean, Saudi Arabia, Portugal, and Spain, have adopted these globally standardized safe travels protocols with the hope that the certification will increase travelers’ confidence in the approved destinations.
“We have learned from past crises that global standard protocols and consistency provides confidence for the traveler. Our new global safety stamp is designed to help rebuild consumer confidence worldwide,” said Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, in a statement. “We are delighted that UNWTO are supporting the private sector global protocols and our efforts as public-private collaboration is critical to ensure a faster recovery.”
Eligible businesses such as hotels, restaurants, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, outdoor shopping, transportation and airports, will be able to use the stamp once the health and hygiene protocols, outlined by WTTC, have been implemented. Destinations will also help to award the stamp of approval to local suppliers.
Carlos Joaquín, governor of Quintana Roo, said in a statement, “Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean have implemented the new safety measures for travelers that WTTC has recognized and approved through the Safe Travels stamp.”
Zurab Pololikashvili, UNWTO Secretary-General, added, “We welcome WTTC’s global safety stamp and Safe Travels protocols and its contribution to restoring confidence. This is key to build trust and we will only succeed if we work together.”
For more information on the Safe Travel stamp, click here.
Safe Travels and Meetings
WTTC has also unveiled measures to bring back meetings and conventions. The protocols it has created designed to drive the return of such gatherings include:
Implement physical distancing for seating distribution and aisles, utilizing government guidance if available. Create visual support to show intent as appropriate.
Reduce venue capacity limits for participants as appropriate and required by local legislation.
Distinguish between different areas of risk in the venue.
Consider pre-arrival risk assessment questionnaire for participants.
Limit physical interaction and possible queuing at reception and registration using advance registration to enhance participant flow.
Create isolation units outside the venue where possible for those showing COVID-19 symptoms.
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