The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has laid out its new guidelines, Safe & Seamless Travel, following medical evidence to ensure safe travel in the new normal.
The WTTC guidelines will ensure that the travel sector is given an extensive framework to help governments and private businesses work in collaboration to create aligned testing and contact tracing. It is predicted that testing, contact tracing, and health certificates will become the new norm.
The initiative is part of the WTTC’s Safe and Seamless Traveler Journey (SSTJ), which aims to enable a seamless, safe, and secure end-to-end traveler experience including flights and non-air travel.
It includes systematic biometric verified identification during the journey, for long haul and international travel, replacing manual verifications.
A safer and more secure environment includes contactless technology, biometrics, faster clearance for inbound and outbound passengers, and offsite processing as part of enhanced SSTJ capabilities, helping reduce transmission.
The new guidelines were produced by consultation with various stakeholders, including WTTC members, health experts, and government officials, and according to WHO and CDC guidance, and ICAO CART Take off guidance.
“The safety and hygiene of travelers is paramount. Which is why our new guidelines for Safe and Seamless Travel, including testing and tracing, are designed to assist in the recovery of travel and tourism through the identification and/or isolation of infected travelers,” said Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, in a statement. “This is consistent with advice from WHO and other leading health authorities that the best way to control and reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus is through early identification of carriers to ensure they don’t travel.”
Dan Richards, Global Rescue CEO, said: “According to the Global Rescue survey of members, nearly 80% of travelers expect to return to the airways and roadways. Travelers are prepared to be tested, and 91% of people interviewed are willing to share personal medical history, and their travel plans as a pre-condition to returning to travel. They are willing and eager to help keep themselves and those around them safe.”
The full report can be accessed here.
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