World Travel and Tourism Council launches global safety stamp to ‘rebuild consumer confidence’

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which represents the global travel and tourism private sector, has introduced the first global safety and hygiene stamp.

The specially designed stamp will allow travelers to recognize governments and businesses that have adopted globally standardized health and hygiene protocols in a bid to push for what it calls “Safe Travels.” The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has also backed this landmark move.

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 have been implemented. Destinations will also help to award the stamp of approval to local suppliers.

The launch of global protocols to boost the travel and tourism sector have been embraced by over 200 CEOs, including some of the world’s major tourism groups. Trip.com and Expedia have also supported the initiative to reassure travelers.

“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,” says WTTC president and CEO Gloria Guevara.

The specially designed stamp will allow travelers to recognize governments and businesses that have adopted globally standardized health and hygiene protocols in a bid to push for what it calls ‘Safe Travels.’ The United Nations World Tourism Organization has also backed this landmark move.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says, “This is key to build trust and we will only succeed if we work together. Public and private sector collaboration is of the essence here and we are happy to be working together with WTTC on the post-COVID-19 recovery.”

Last week, WTTC launched the first range of new 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 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.

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 and guidelines from the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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