The second phase of measures to rebuild global consumer confidence to encourage the return of travel has been unveiled by the World Travel & Tourism Council.
‘Safe Travels’ protocols for aviation, airports, MICE and tour operators are included.
Iberia, Emirates Group, Etihad, Oman Aviation Group, Iata and Airports Council International have worked together rebuild trust and provide reassurance that airports and airlines will offer safe environments in which to fly once travel restrictions are relaxed.
The protocols aim to provide consistency to destinations and countries as well as guidance to travel providers, airlines, airports, operators, and travellers, about the new approach to health and hygiene in the post-Covid-19 world.
WTTC president and chief executive Gloria Guevara said: “For the first time ever, the global private sector has rallied around our Safe Travels protocols which will create the consistency needed to allow a re-invigorated travel and tourism sector re-open for business.
“Among the most important of these measures are those which will enable the aviation sector to take-off. Aviation’s return is critical to help repower the global economic recovery.
“WTTC aviation protocols were created in close collaboration with ACI and Iata.
“The expertise from large and small tour operators, contributed to define the new experience via tour operators and visiting event venues again, was defined in co-ordination of experts from this segment, through these robust global measures which have been embraced by businesses around the world.”
ACI World director general Angela Gittens said: “Our industry has been brought to a standstill. A balanced and effective restart and recovery of the global travel and tourism sector depends on collaboration among the key participants in this ecosystem and we welcome the ambitious approach taken by the WTTC.
“Collaboration will help to establishing a globally-consistent approach to recovery which will be the most effective way of balancing risk mitigation with the need to enable travel and foster economic recovery while also reassuring the travelling public that health and safety remain the overall priorities.”
Iata director general and chief executive Alexandre de Juniac added: “Covid-19 is a gamechanger for the travel and tourism sector, requiring us to enhance our approach to health and safety to protect our travellers and workforce.
“Aviation is the business of freedom and it is vital to enable its restart on a safe basis.
“Iata is delighted to lend its framework and collaborate with WTTC on the aviation protocols as part of its Safe Travels initiative. This is an excellent example of the industry solidarity and cooperation that will be so vital to ensuring a strong recovery for travel and tourism.”
WTTC unveiled Safe Travels protocols for hospitality and outdoor retail last week followed by the unveiling of a new ‘global safety stamp’ to encourage safe travel and the reopening of the travel and tourism sector.