The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have released a Destination Tracker tool to help guide governments, organizations and travelers through the rapidly changing landscape of travel restrictions , local public health measures and COVID-related conditions. for destinations around the world.
UNWTO and IATA have collaborated on the Destination Tracker with the aim of restarting international travel and “building confidence and accelerating the recovery of the tourism sector as borders reopen”.
“The situation for travelers is complex, with UNWTO data showing that one destination in three remains closed to tourists,” say the two organizations. “In addition, national restrictions and measures are continually reviewed.”
The new Destination Tracker is available for reference on the IATA And UNWTO websites. It will provide detailed information for each destination, including:
- COVID-19 indicators, including infection rates, positivity rates and vaccination rollout progress;
- Air travel regulations, including testing and quarantine requirements;
- Public health measures, including general health and safety requirements such as the use of masks, transit through a country, curfew, and regulations related to restaurants and attractions.
“It has been more than a year since the freedom to travel was lost due to COVID-19 measures that resulted in border closures,” said Willie Walsh, IATA Director General. “When governments have the confidence to reopen borders, people will be eager to travel. And they will need specific information to guide them. With the support of national tourism organizations, the UNWTO-IATA Destination Tracker will help travelers and travel agencies get the latest information to plan their trip.
With continued border closures and other restrictions still in place, UNWTO also expects a slow recovery in 2021. Even under its most optimistic scenarios, global travel volumes would remain less than half of 2019 levels.
UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili said in the context of the most recent forecasts: “2020 was the worst year on record for tourism. The international community must take strong and urgent action to ensure a better 2021. Millions of livelihoods and businesses depend on it. Better coordination between countries and harmonized travel and health protocols are essential to restore confidence in tourism and allow international travel to resume safely ahead of the peak summer season in the northern hemisphere.
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