Granted 'Safe Travels' accreditation to prominent travel locations worldwide
In a significant move towards ensuring travel safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, several destinations around the globe have adopted the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)’s Safe Travels global safety and hygiene stamp. These include Croatia, Ecuador, Ghana, Tobago, and a growing list of other popular tourist spots.
The Safe Travels stamp, launched by the WTTC, is designed to address COVID-19 and similar health risks by setting consistent safety and hygiene protocols worldwide. The initiative prioritizes the safety and hygiene of travelers, providing clarity and guidance to travel providers and travelers about the new approach to health, hygiene, deep cleaning, and physical distancing in the 'new normal' of COVID-19.
Tobago, a beautiful Caribbean island, was among the first to acquire the Safe Travels stamp in June 2020. The destination now boasts over 200 approved tourism operators recognized under this certification. Other popular city destinations, such as Barcelona, Cancun, Madrid, and Seville, have also received the stamp of approval.
The list of destinations recognizing the WTTC Safe Travels stamp continues to grow, with Turkey, Bulgaria, Jamaica, Mauritius, Ontario (Canada), Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Baja California Sur (Mexico), Yucatan (Mexico), and more recently, joining the initiative.
The WTTC Safe Travels protocols were developed based on the experience of WTTC members dealing with COVID-19. They are grounded in guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The WTTC designed the 'Safe Travels' stamp to help travelers identify destinations and businesses adopting its health and hygiene global standardized protocols.
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has embraced the WTTC Safe Travels stamp, recognizing its potential to boost consumer confidence and support the recovery of the global travel and tourism sector. Almudena Maíllo, Councilor for Tourism, Madrid City Hall, has expressed support for the initiative, stating that it matches the needs of travelers and the tourism sector.
Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, stated that as WTTC health and hygiene protocols are implemented, the list of destinations recognizing the new stamp also continues to grow. The WTTC Safe Travels initiative provides clear safety and health recommendations for businesses to implement, allowing for visual identification of adherence to the protocols.
The goal of the 'Safe Travels' stamp is to enable consumers and workers to experience 'Safe Travels'. By adopting this stamp, destinations and businesses demonstrate their commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of travelers, instilling confidence and promoting a safer travel experience for all.
Holidaymakers can now identify destinations prioritizing their safety and hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic, as several popular tourist spots have acquired the World Travel & Tourism Council's (WTTC) Safe Travels global safety and hygiene stamp. These include Tobago, Barcelona, Cancun, and Madrid.
The WTTC designed the Safe Travels stamp to help travelers identify destinations and businesses adopting its health and hygiene global standardized protocols, which were developed based on the experience of WTTC members dealing with COVID-19.
These protocols are grounded in guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), promoting cleanliness, social distancing, and safety measures in hotels, cruises, and tourism services.
The UNWTO has recognized the potential of the WTTC Safe Travels stamp to boost consumer confidence and support the recovery of the global travel and tourism sector. Destinations such as Croatia, Ecuador, Ghana, Tobago, and many others have already earned this recognition.
To ensure a safer lifestyle during travel, holidaymakers should look for the WTTC Safe Travels stamp when planning their next holiday. This guide highlights destinations and hotels that have committed to prioritizing their health and safety, providing a more confident and enjoyable experience for all.
By adopting this stamp, destinations are not only expressing their dedication to traveler safety but also supporting the tourism sector's recovery while promoting an eco-friendly and responsible lifestyle, making it a win-win for both travelers and local communities.
