'Safe Travels': Global Protocols & Stamp for the New Normal

I am pleased with the decision issued today by the WTTC to grant Egypt its Safe Travels stamp. This is a milestone in our bilateral cooperation with WTTC. This decision reflects Egypt's commitment to the safe resumption of inbound tourism with strict comprehensive hygiene safety measures starting July 1, 2020, to its superb, sunny and healthy beaches. We are looking forward to welcoming guests to Egypt's resorts in the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Coast.

Dr Khaled El-Enany

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Egypt

These are unprecedented times and in the new normal that we find ourselves, it is welcoming to have an organization like the WTTC help in coordinating and sharing best practices. For us in Ghana, it comes in as a handy instrument in our quest to be a safe travel destination. The protocols we have put in place in Ghana has also been largely informed by the objective of creating confidence of practitioners and clients in the industry. We believe that It will undoubtedly serve to kick-start a new wave of optimism in the sector. The Ghana Tourism Authority is proud that Ghana is going to be one of the countries in Africa with recognized and approved Safe Travels Protocols.

Akwasi Agyeman

CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority

Mauritius has always been viewed as a safe, luxurious and welcoming Destination for the World. We are unfortunately not an exception to the Global COVID-19 crisis. At the wake of a gradual resumption of activities in the Tourism Sector, the Tourism Authority under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism, has been pro-active to initiate a set of Mandatory Sanitary Measures for the Relaunch of Tourist activities. We feel privileged and thankful for endorsing these measures and at the same time including Mauritius within the WTTC family. We are adamant that this recognition shall bring light on Mauritius as a Safe Destination for our local stakeholders, our supply International Markets and to the World.

Avinash Gopee

Chairperson, Tourism Authority – Republic of Mauritius

Rwanda's number one priority is the health and well-being of visitors to our beautiful country. As one of only three countries in the world with endangered mountain gorillas and numerous other primate species, we also have a special responsibility to protect these magnificent animals. The creation of the WTTC Safe Travels global protocols and Stamp represent an important step in the reopening of tourism around the world and Rwanda is proud to adopt these global standards. We are excited to welcome tourists back to Rwanda for safe and memorable experiences - from seeing the Big 5 on safari and exploring Rwanda's lush rainforests to learning about our vibrant culture.

Belise Kariza

Chief Tourism Officer, Rwanda Development Board

We would like to thank WTTC for bringing this global initiative to the forefront of the travel industry. We strongly believe that the Safe Travel stamp is a much needed measure to restore confidence in travel and reassure visitors that their safety is paramount. In Namibia, we are graced with breathtaking landscapes that offer visitors the chance to make memories that last a lifetime. Our country is also one of the least densely populated places in the world, which we feel will attract travellers wanting to roam free and be at one with nature post-lockdown. Now, more than ever, we need to pull together to remind the world of the magic and wonder that travel brings.

Digu //Naobeb

CEO, Namibia Tourism Board

Eswatini is pleased join other destinations in being part of the globally recognised WTTC Safe travels protocols and we applaud the initiative by WTTC. These protocols will ensure consistency in tourist expectations and experience globally . COVID-19 has shifted customer expectations to, not only service excellence, but safety has become an imperative for all travellers. It is in this vein that Eswatini has put safety as a priority, as we adapt to the new normal. COVID-19 has not only had devastating effects on people’s lives but also people’s livelihoods. The pandemic has also ravaged economies globally, therefore regaining market confidence is the foundational step towards reopening and reviving the tourism sector in a safe, responsible and organized way. I would like to thank WTTC, Eswatini Tourism Authority and the Tourism Industry of Eswatini for collaborating in reaching this key milestone. Implementation of these protocols is part of our message to tourist far and wide that Eswatini is open for tourism business, we are ready to receive tourists warmly and safely to the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Safe Travels - Africa - Dr Khaled El-Enany

Minister of Tourism & Environmental Affairs, Eswatini

Tourism is very important for Zambia, especially its contribution to revenue generation, job creation and poverty reduction among many other benefits to be accrued from the sector. As Zambia begins its road to tourism recovery, we are pleased to be associated with the WTTC’s Safe Travels global protocols. We are committed to meeting COVID-19 safety requirements that promote restarting tourism without inhibiting our tourism business sector. In this light, we have put in place simple and practical safety protocols for the tourism sector with the intention to enhance the visitor experience as they create their travel memories during this difficult time. The Safe Travels stamp will give travel consumers the confidence to travel to our destination. We pledge to remain compliant with the safety measures, in partnership with the private sector, to ensure both the hosts and travellers are safe and subsequently restore the tourism sector to where it was before the pandemic brought it to a halt.

Felix S. Chaila

CEO, Zambia Tourism Agency

We are extremely honoured to be issued the Safe Travels stamp by the WTTC and commend them for this important initiative. This decision reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to maintain the standard safe travel protocols and procedures as we reopen our doors to tourism and international visitors. With the aim of ensuring safety of workers and visitors we will continue to work closely with tour operators, hotels and regional destination marketing organisations to maintain these standards.

Hailemariam Desalegn

Chairman, Ethiopian Tourism Board, Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia

The Philippine Department of Tourism is delighted to be awarded the WTTC Safe Travels stamp, particularly as we pursue the safe and gradual reopening of our tourist destinations. I wish to thank WTTC for recognising our efforts of putting in place policies concerning health, safety and sanitation protocols, which we have benchmarked with global best practices and aligned with WTTC’s standards. The Safe Travels stamp will further encourage our stakeholders to adhere to health and safety standards, and will also help us rebuild traveller confidence, so we can restart tourism and preserve and sustain jobs.

Bernadette Romulo-Puyat

Secretary of Department of Tourism, Philippines

In recent months, all sectors of Guam’s tourism industry have gone to great lengths to ensure the health and safety of their guests. From our airport, hotels, restaurants, attractions, and much more, we’ve proactively adapted to the global standard and “new normal” of travel. These unprecedented times have helped us recognize that the recovery and resiliency of Guam’s economy relies on our shared responsibility to provide a safe travel experience. The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) is proud to announce that our island’s protocols have been recognized by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The WTTC’s Safe Travels stamp is yet another way to demonstrate our commitment to the health of tourists and locals alike. Through consistency in the messaging and implementation of these protocols, we hope to instil confidence in our source markets as we welcome visitors to the island again.

Carl T.C. Gutierrez

President & CEO, Guam Visitors Bureau

Indonesia and the World Travel & Tourism Council have a long history of strategic cooperation, including the latest support from WTTC for the development of Guidelines on the Implementation of Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Encironment (CHSE) under “Indonesia Care” national campaign. Parallel to Indonesia’s efforts to restart the tourism industry after the pandemic, we are honored to be part of the Safe Travels stamp that has been designed to rebuild confidence among consumers so they can travel safely.

His Excellency Wishnutama Kusubandio

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Indonesia

Obtaining the "Safe Travels" recognition by WTTC constitutes a real satisfaction for the destination The Islands of Tahiti. This recognition is important in view of the efforts made since July 2020 by all of our public sector, our tourism professionals and our populations, to offer our visitors a healthy, safe and secure environment to stay in, all while preserving the experience of an authentic Polynesian hospitality. Our scattered islands, the typology of our accommodation (bungalows) naturally offer the space and the change of scenery that are appropriate during this difficult time, with an inclusive and sustainable tourism. Our tourism companies and our people are happy to be able, since the deployment of the vaccination, to welcome visitors with solid, proven protocols and preserving all the “mana” (energy/spirit), and all the generosity that characterizes us.

Honorable Nicole Bouteau

Minister of Tourism and Labor, in charge of International Transportation and Institutional Relations, French Polynesia

We are truly pleased to have Fiji’s ‘Care Fiji Commitment’ programme receive recognition of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The Care Fiji Commitment programme is a cumulative outcome of the tireless efforts and partnership of the Fijian Government, our national tourism body, Tourism Fiji, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Taskforce, and tourism industry stakeholders – all to ensure we are in a state of readiness. This globally-consistent approach to recovery enforces our common, destination-wide health and hygiene standards to equip the Fijian tourism industry and businesses with the tools they need to safely welcome visitors back to Fiji. Being accorded global recognition gives travellers the added layer of assurance that Fiji is not only the best holiday destination, but the safest.

Honourable Faiyaz Siddiq Koya

Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Fiji

Tourism in a post-Covid world requires standardisation, stringent health and sanitation protocols and a combined global effort to stop the spread of community diseases; the Safe Travels stamp and protocols launched by the World Travel &Tourism Council (WTTC) is an initiative that promotes a consistent approach to health and hygiene practices of all travel related activities, while supporting private entities and helping re-build confidence among travellers. By ensuring its own protocols were aligned with these global standards, Sri Lanka recently joined the growing network of Safe Travels destinations such as Indonesia, Dubai, Tanzania, Portugal, Barcelona, Madrid, Turkey, Jamaica, Mauritius and Ontario. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) is working on providing the stamp of safety to all private sector travel and hospitality related stakeholders, upon assessment of their adherence to SLTDA imposed Covid-19 safety standards, to empower them to resume operations.

Kimarli Fernando

Chairperson, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA)

The foundation of restoring consumer confidence in travel lies in destinations being proactive about health and safety protocols.  The Marianas is pleased to be a part of the WTTC Safe Travels global protocols, building on a strong foundation laid by our government and public health officials in ensuring the protection of our island community and the visitors who wish to experience life in The Marianas. Our island spirit of "Un Familia (One family) Un Guinaiya (One love), and Tipiyeew (Unity)”  has served The Marianas well in bringing government, businesses, and our community together to successfully keep our shores safe. We look forward to extending that spirit to our visitors through WTTC's recommended standards and we are grateful for the partnership.

Priscilla M. Iakopo

Managing Director, Marianas Visitors Authority

We are delighted that Mongolia has officially joined the Safe Travels Protocol implemented by the WTTC when the global COVID-19 pandemic is completely changing the business environment and consumer behavior. In addition to increasing the economic turnover of the air transport, trade and service sectors, creating jobs and supporting people's livelihoods, the recovery of tourism plays an important role in promoting global cooperation and enhancing the protection of cultural heritage through the flow of travelers. It is very important in the "new normal" that all products and services purchased during the trip meet international sterilization, disinfection and safety standards to inspire tourists to travel and ensure its' safety at all times. The Government of Mongolia is working to revitalize the tourism sector in a short period of time, to establish tourism as our leading economical industry by strengthening the public-private partnership as well as intensifying the cooperation of international, regional professional organizations and experts.

Urtnasan Nyamjav

Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mongolia

The State Committee for Tourism Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan welcomes and appreciates the efforts of the World Travel and Tourism Council to develop and disseminate information on health and cleanliness measures and has implemented protocols that follow the Safe Travels recommendations, recognising their importance for generating traveller confidence and global industry alignment. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Uzbekistan has developed immediate measures to ensure the safety of all tourists, including compensation mechanisms to cover the expenses for medical treatment for every tourist in case of health problems that visit our country. We are confident that together with our national system “Uzbekistan. Safe travel Guaranteed”, the WTTC Safe Travels protocols will raise safety standards in Uzbekistan to a new level and serve as the basis for the quickest possible revival of international tourism. Uzbekistan welcomes international Travel & Tourism cooperation with governments and international organizations. I believe that, through joint efforts, we will successfully overcome the current difficulties and reach new heights in global tourism development.

Aziz Abdukhakimov

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Chairman of the State Committee for Tourism Development

We in the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities appreciate and support the WTTC initiative of making travel and tourism a safe activity. Protecting the health of Jordanians and our visitors is a top priority for the Government of Jordan.

Dr. Emad Hijazeen

Secretary General, Jordanian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities

Visitors to Sharjah can travel with confidence to the emirate to enjoy our unique experiences and stunning landscapes, knowing that our health and safety measures are comprehensive and our hotels and captivating attractions conform to the highest of international standards and the WTTC’s Safe Travels global protocols. As a popular family destination, the emirate of Sharjah takes the health and safety of its visitors and residents extremely seriously and the Safe Travels Stamp is an invaluable asset in moving forward and building recovery. Sharjah proudly welcomes visitors, old and new, in safety with our traditional warm welcome.

HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa

Chairman, Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority

As we reopen Dubai’s doors to tourism and welcome our international visitors back to the city, our foremost priority is their wellbeing, achieved through stringent hygiene and safety protocols that have been deployed across all tourist touch points. The WTTC's Safe Travels stamp endorses Dubai’s comprehensive and effective measures to ensure guest health and safety. We trust that our efforts not only provide an optimised experience for our visitors, but also secure their health and that of their families, further cementing the confidence that our guests have had thus far in Dubai, and encouraging people from every corner of the world to visit one of the safest cities in the world this summer.

His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri

Director General, Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism)

As Chair of this year’s G20 Tourism Track, we are putting public-private cooperation at the heart of international efforts for a swift recovery. The WTTC’s new Safe Travels global protocols are an essential step on that path to recovery, by helping to provide consistency and reassurance for travellers. In Saudi Arabia, the health and safety of our citizens and visitors is paramount. We have been working closely with the WTTC on the New Normal Task Force and believe the final protocols of the Safe Travels Stamp will be an important milestone for the global tourism sector.

His Excellency Mr Ahmed Aqeel Al-Khateeb

Minister of Tourism, Saudi Arabia

The Safe Travel Protocols and the Global Safety Stamp are demonstrative of WTTC’s efforts to revitalize the travel and tourism industry during the wake of COVID-19 and in the years to follow. Ras Al Khaimah is proud to work alongside the WTCC to help guide the discussion on this decade defining issue. Taking cues from WTTC and combined with our close relationship with key partners has allowed for some of the quickest and most scalable measures in the region to date, beginning with a Stimulus Package all the way to the GCC’s first Stay Safe certification program, which was further amplified by Bureau Veritas, the global leader in risk mitigation. With all these measures in place, we are witnessing an uptick in domestic travel and preparations are well underway to welcome international markets as travel corridors open up. WTTC has been instrumental in this process by providing consistency in global protocols and rebuilding trust and confidence in the travel experience.

Raki Phillips

CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

While the world is shifting to a new normal and the industry is seeing a tremendous transformation we at Kazakh Tourism strongly believe in a single voice of the businesses and governments in these trying times. Customers across the globe expect safety and comprehensive protocols at various tourism outlets and therefore a single approach that derives from the tourism businesses who form the core of WTTC is much needed now than ever before. Kazakh Tourism welcomes the #SafeTravels initiative by WTTC. The industry protocols developed based on WHO and CDC recommendations are timely and will help gain trust of the travelers. We understand it will take years to see the industry recover but by working together and implementing the #SafeTravels stamp we are one step closer to the goal.

Yerzhan Yerkinbayev

Chairman, Kazakh Tourism National Company

As we move from crisis management to recovery, it is critical that we put the health, safety and security of travellers and our Travel & Tourism workforce at the heart of what we do. At Expedia Group, we back the WTTC's efforts to work across the industry on regulations and guidelines to get people travelling safely again so we can all experiene the magic of travel again.

Ariane Gorin

Group President, Expedia Business Services

Our industry faces an existential threat. We need to define new protocols and measures to get people’s confidence to travel again, for leisure and business. WTTC is best positioned to help work with us and governments to define those together.We believe WTTC is best suited to work with all governments, the WHO and other necessary organisations to agree how we are going to operate in the new ‘abnormal’. Let’s put our differences aside, come together and expeditiously with WTTC define these new protocols and measures, get them in front of governments, get them signed off and let’s get out there, convincing people to travel again with all of us.

Brett Tollman

Chief Executive, Travel Corporation

This important measure not only gives our sector greater clarity on COVID-19 response best practice, it will also give greater confidence to travellers when booking a hotel and thus help the tourism sector recover more quickly. That’s why at Hotelbeds we will back this initiative and additionally are working on including information about this in our distribution for travelers to consider when reserving a hotel.

Carlos Muñoz

Managing Director, Hotelbeds

The global travel industry is united in its desire to support a safe, healthy and responsible return for travel. However, for this to be achieved, the industry and governments across the world must now unite around a consistent set of clear, practical and meaningful protocols, which are backed up by medical evidence and give travelers the confidence they need to once again take to the skies. We applaud the World Travel and Tourism Council for taking the lead on developing the Aviation Global Protocols and are proud to have contributed to their formation.

Greg Webb

CEO, Travelport

As an industry, we have always made the safety and wellbeing of guests and colleagues our top priority. IHG is proud to support the WTTC in shaping this best practice guidance in areas such as cleanliness and hygiene, all underpinned by the most relevant training and preparedness for hotel teams.This important work illustrates how our industry can come together to provide the reassurance and confidence that will be so important as people return to travel.

Keith Barr

Chief Executive, InterContinental Hotels Group

Restoring consumer confidence will be the single biggest barrier the travel industry needs to overcome in a post-pandemic world. The Global Hospitality Standards from the WTTC will help provide a source for reliable cleaning protocols that applies universally, providing Virtuoso clients and all travelers a higher degree of assurance before booking their next trip.

Matthew D. Upchurch

Chairman and CEO, Virtuoso

Shun Tak, being a committed investor in regional transportation, integrated hotel and destinations across Hong Kong, Macau and China, fully supports WTTC’s efforts in driving the rebound of the tourism sector. We stand in solidarity with WTTC to embrace travel and tourism once again, under the valuable guidelines set out in the ‘Global Guidance’, putting safety, health, security and sustainability as priorities as we unite to revitalize our industry.

Pansy Ho

Executive Chairman and Managing Director, Shun Tak Holdings Group

Travel and Tourism is an important cornerstone to society. Through travel we enrich our knowledge and our lives, making the world a better place. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we operate, but it does not extinguish our need to roam the planet. WTTC, governments, and the travel industry know that Travel & Tourism is a major economic engine driving growth, development, sanitation, health and education. Through WTTC’s leadership and with the collaboration of the travel industry we see a rebirth of travel in stages over the next few years. Thought leaders in the industry have created innovative ideas to modify travel, removing barriers and concerns. We see a strong re-emergence in international mobility with purpose and thoughtfulness, engaging all stakeholders in its design and direction. Our company is focused on supporting the needs of travellers, governments, and the travel industry. Our goal is to simplify and promote healthy and safe travels by providing trusted, integrated mobile tools and professional services. We believe that enabling a touchless, seamless journey will make it easier for travellers to start exploring the world again.

Robin Ingle

CEO, MSH Ingle International, Travel Navigator, Novus Health

Restoring travel confidence is a major pillar to the recovery of our industry. Rajah Travel Corporation fully supports the WTTC in its leadership in engaging the private sector for the development of Safe Travel protocols across the value chain. We all benefit from WTTC's strong advocacy with global and national institutions to prioritize travel and tourism in the recovery plans. The WTTC initiatives during this crisis are instrumental in how we re-shape our product offerings, business solutions and service to ensure and promote safe, secure, and seamless experience among our global customers and stakeholders.

Aileen Clemente

Chairman and CEO, Rajah Travel Corporation Inc

We are committed to do what it takes  to secure a great and safe experience for you and your family.

Carlos Berdegue

CEO, El CID Resorts

Thank you WTTC for the invitation and for motivating us as an industry to keep thinking of the future and the importance of our job, it is a pleasure for us to participate in the compelling creation of the hospitality global standards. Thanks to the effort of WTTC of implementing global guidelines and consistency, we can assure to our clients that hospitality will be back soon, thank you and please never stop travel.

Enrique Calderón

COO, Posadas

There is no doubt that, safe travel is the priority through this extraordinary time so as to revitalize tourism and travel industry. We are strong believers in that, we need common guidelines to rebuild the trust of travellers that health, hygiene and all safety measures are being consistently applied throughout their travel experience globally. Theral, we are appreciated to see that WTTC is setting global standards to guide a safe experience and bringing confidence back as well. We are determined to implement compelling protocols for health, hygiene and social distancing.

Erkan YAGCI

Chief Executive - Tourism Group, ZAF Group

In these difficult and uncertain times it is critical to have strong and informed leadership to provide a consistent industry response which will effectively earn the trust and confidence of our travellers. The WTTC has provided this with resources and tools we used to implement a robust health and safety protocol. The WTTC Safe Travels Global protocol stamp immediately informs our customers that they can have confidence in returning to our resort for a healthy and safe vacation.

Ewald K. Biemans

Owner & CEO, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba

For the first time in recent history we face a shutdown of travel as we know it. Most Countries have closed borders and emptied hotel rooms. The good news is that no pandemic will take away our deeply rooted desire to explore and discover and we will travel again soon. Because a global problem requires a global solution, we fully support the WTTC and their initiative of consistent, global safety guidelines, which will allow our guests to travel and feel safe.

Hugo Desenzani

CEO, Libertador Hotels, Resorts & Spas

In the current COVID-19 situation our hospitality industry has been affected, adversely. Post covid-19, we hope to create standards in health, safety, and security, within our industry. Dusit hotels and resorts support WTTC to create these standards, we look forward to inspiring travel again to Dusit hotels and resorts, with convenience, with value and with experience; and we look forward to welcoming our guests back to our properties in the post Covid-19 world. Thank you!

Mr. Lim Boon Kwee

COO, DUSIT

VIA Outlets supports the WTTC Safe & Safety initiative as part of our commitment to guarantee the safety of all our guests. By joining this initiative we would also like to acknowledge and support the WTTC in the leadership and cohesion of the private-public collaboration in the recovery of this pandemic. In a moment of fragility for all of us, and very particularly the travel & tourism industry, the WTTC has done a tremendous job to put together the interests of the private sector in the forefront together with the public institutions. We believe the new normal will be a time for collaboration among all of us. In addition, as destination retailers we feel part of the travel & tourism industry as we do welcome many travellers from all over the world in each of our 11 destinations within Europe. Rest assured we will be working hand in hand with you to establish the confidence in travel for all our guests.

Otto Ambagtsheer

CEO, VIA Outlets

We are honored to have participated in the co-creation of the WTTC's Protocols for the Meetings & Events industry. At Maritz Global Events, we have always prioritized the well-being of our participants, while always understanding their emotional need for human connections.

David Peckinpaugh

President, Maritz Global Events

As our customers are dreaming about travel and making decisions about when and where to book, and our millions of dedicated partners are opening up their doors to welcome guests again, these industry-wide hygiene protocols are an important first step to helping restore confidence for consumers and communities alike. Combined with our own efforts to help showcase the specific cleanliness initiatives being implemented by our partners around the world, the WTTC's Safe Travels standards are a complementary standard that brings additional consistency and clarity. Whether it's a city apartment for a weekend getaway, a holiday house on the coast or a business hotel, our mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world - and to feel safe and secure doing so.

Glenn Fogel

CEO, Booking.com