UNWTO releases a global guidelines for a strong and sustainable recovery on 28th May 2020. The guidelines were produced in consultation with the Global Tourism Crisis Committee and aim to support governments and private sector to recover from an unparalleled crisis.
The new guidelines consists of 07 priorities for tourism recovery, based on the pillars of mitigating the economic impact, developing safety protocols and coordinated responds and fostering innovation. As UNWTO has strengthened its partnership with Google, it is more clear that the digital transformation of global tourism is needed and can be achieved.
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. They are the product of the enhanced cooperation that has characterized tourism’s response to this shared challenge, building on knowledge and inputs from across the public and private sectors and from several UN agencies as part of the UN’s wider response.”
Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, UNWTO
The guidelines highlight the importance of gaining the confidence of the travelers thorough safety and security protocols in each step of the way. It includes the safety measure given out by the WHO to build as standards within the travel and tourism industry. Mainly these standards and protocols include the implementation of check procedures where appropriate, temperature scans, testing, physical and social distancing, enhanced the frequency of cleaning and the provision of hygiene kits for safe air travel, hospitality services or safe events.
UNWTO formed the Global Tourism Crisis Committee to guide the sector as it responds to the COVID-19 crisis and to build the foundations for future resilience and sustainable growth. Depending on when travel restriction are lifted, the United Nations specialized agency 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 Committee comprises representatives of UNWTO’s Member States and Affiliate Members, alongside with multiple international organisation related to the Travel and Tourism industry.
