Even though the Covid-19 pandemic in many countries has not been overcome but controlled, the opening of borders is already becoming known, which allows the engines of a key industry such as tourism to start up. Although health protocols have been developed that have demanded significant investments in the midst of a badly battered economy, there is a feeling that we will have a period of trials and errors. Most are confident that certain risks are worth taking.
Zurab Pololikashvili, UNWTO Secretary-General raised his voice, saying: "Both locally and globally, the crisis we are facing together has demonstrated the importance of making the right decisions at the right time. The time has come to restart tourism, We do this after many weeks of hard work and commitment. In the spirit of solidarity that defines tourism, we have come together under the leadership of UNWTO to share our experience and skills. Together, we are stronger, and this cooperation will be essential as move us to the next stage. "
Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations has also supported this reopening, the official commented: "As the world faces the devastating consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism sector is one of the most affected. Travel has decreased, fear has increased and the future is uncertain. Tourism is an essential pillar of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The livelihoods of many depend on it, especially women and particularly in the most vulnerable countries of the world. world, including small island developing states and least developed countries. Furthermore, in many parts of the world, protecting biodiversity is highly dependent on the tourism sector, from conservation to the income generated by those efforts. "
"Tourism can be a platform to overcome the pandemic. By bringing people together, tourism can promote solidarity and trust, crucial ingredients for advancing the global cooperation that is so urgently needed at the moment."
"The United Nations World Tourism Organization is firmly committed to this work. I encourage all those involved in the tourism sector to explore how we can better recover, including through climate action and other steps that promote sustainability and build resilience. On our journey to a better future, we must maintain our commitment to leave no one behind. "
Another voice of weight Gloria Guevara Manzo, President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council, who assured that regional coordination between countries is essential to promote the speedy recovery of tourism activity safely. The official pointed out: "The joint work will allow a better implementation and homologation of travel protocols in the new normal, the exchange of experiences, the work between authorities and the private sector and, above all, the recovery of traveler confidence".
It is worth remembering that the WTTC announced a series of hygiene protocols to protect the health of travelers, as well as the Global Safety Stamp that grants destinations that adopt its sanitation standards, with the support of the Organization. World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and based on the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Recognized destinations worldwide have already received the seal. These are: Turkey, Bulgaria, Jamaica, Mauritius and Ontario, Canada, as well as Baja California Sur, Yucatan and Grupo Xcaret, in Mexico, which have adopted the new protocols to protect the health of travelers.
“The number of global destinations adopting our protocols is growing at an accelerated rate, it is very gratifying and shows the success and importance of the seal. This recognition is vital to restore consumer confidence around the world in the travel and tourism sector; Travelers can be sure that hygiene standards exist so that they can visit destinations safely, "he said.
Guevara Manzo and announced that soon the countries that will adopt the WTTC protocols for travel will be the United Kingdom, Egypt, Canada and Chile.
