UNWTO launches global guidelines to restart tourism

The guidelines were produced in consultation with the Global Tourism Crisis Committee and aim to support governments and the private sector in efforts to recover from the crisis. Depending on when travel restrictions are lifted, the UNWTO warns that international tourist arrivals could fall by between 60% and 80%.  This puts 100–120 million jobs at risk and could lead to US$ 910 billion to US$ 1.2 trillion lost in exports.

The new guide, a follow up of the Recommendations for Action, is focused on seven priorities for tourism recovery based on the pillars of mitigating the economic impact, developing safety protocols and coordinated responses, and fostering innovation. These guidelines provide both governments and businesses with a comprehensive set of measures designed to help them open tourism up again in a safe, seamless and responsible manner.

The guidelines highlight the importance of restoring travellers’ confidence through safety and security protocols designed to reduce risks at each step of the tourism value chain. These protocols include the implementation of check procedures where appropriate, including temperature scans, testing, physical distancing, enhanced frequency of cleaning and the provision of hygiene kits for safe air travel, hospitality services or safe events.

The UNWTO Guidelines also highlight the opportunity to foster a digital transformation of destinations, companies and employees with initiatives such as the online training with the UNWTO Online Academy and the implementation of apps such as the Hi Card to improve international interoperability at airports and hotels. The role of technology in promoting social distancing at hotels and tourist destinations is also highlighted. The agency will partner and work with Google to promote digital learning and online skills training so as to provide new opportunities across the global tourism sector.

Source and photo: UNWTO

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