WTTC Debuts Global Safety Stamp to Recognize Safe Travels Protocols

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has debuted its global safety and hygiene stamp, which will allow travelers to recognize governments and businesses around the world that have adopted health and hygiene global standardized protocols. The “Safe Travels” stamp has also received the backing of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and over 200 CEOs, including some from major tourism groups.

Eligible businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, restaurants, 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 award the stamp of approval to local suppliers.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC president and CEO, said in an official release, “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 the rebuild consumer confidence worldwide.”

Among the early participants are Saudi Arabia, which is chair of the G20 tourism group, Cancun, Portugal, Barcelona and Seville, amongst others.

Last week, the WTTC launched the first of range of new worldwide measures that were part of its "Safe Travels" protocols to rebuild consumer confidence and encourage the restoration of the global travel and tourism sector. They provide consistency to destinations and countries, as well as guidance to travel providers and travelers about the new approach to health, hygiene, deep cleansing and physical distancing, in the post-COVID-19 world. Discussions took place with key stakeholders and organizations to ensure maximum buy-in, alignment and practical implementation to set clear expectations of what travelers may expect traveling in the “new normal” before the vaccine is available.

The protocols are also being defined following the experience of WTTC members in dealing with COVID-19 and based on the best available medical evidence. It also follows guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). WTTC collaborated with international organizations such the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Airports Council International (ACI) and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) to ensure alignment across the sector. 

Visit wttc.org.

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