Wednesday, 17 June 2020

Indian Travel Industry can apply for Global Safety Stamp

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has put forth a set of protocols for industries associated with the travel and tourism sector. This will help travellers make informed decisions about the health and safety of hotels, airlines, travel buses, shopping centres, or restaurants.

When restrictions ease and India will open its doors to tourists, travellers will have to navigate doubts and questions about safety and hygiene issues. “Is this airline even safe for flying?”, “Will this hotel be taking appropriate steps to ensure hygiene?” or “Which restaurants follow hygiene protocols while making and serving food?” would be some of the predominant questions.

Also Read: How eating and drinking will change post-COVID – the future of restaurants and bars

Also Read: Madhya Pradesh offers RV caravans for safe travels on road trips

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has shared a set of global protocols issued by the WHO to be followed by at least eleven industries associated with travel. The goal is to ensure the safety of all travellers and workforce, by streamlining the private sector into following common rules thereby directing it towards a new normal.

WTTC’s “Global Safety Stamp” is specifically devised so that governments and companies that have adopted their hygiene protocols can be easily recognised by travellers.

Jamie Wortley, a Communications Consultant at WTTC told Lonely Planet India that the protocols “were pulled together in close consultation with our member companies. The protocols and Safe Travels stamp have received the backing of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).”

Furthermore, commenting upon the arrival of “safe stamp” in India, he said that WTTC has various Indian members and is working closely with WTTC-India.

Moreover, the ‘safe-stamp’ is “is freely available online for Indian organisations to apply for and integrate based on like-minded protocols.”

India has a popular street food culture and regulation of street vendors under these protocols could be a challenge. Wortley said that we “need to ensure operational and staff preparedness, consider how to deliver a safe experience and work to rebuild trust and confidence. In this context, street food and open markets will not only need to enhance their health, hygiene, and distancing protocols but also communicate the changes to consumers to make them feel safe.”

This initiative, is one of the first of its kind, for safe practises for travellers. To know more click here.



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via Lonely Planet India

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