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

Zurab Pololikashvili
UNWTO Secretary-General

“We welcome WTTC’s global safety stamp and Safe Travels protocols and its contribution to restoring confidence. This is key to build trust and we will only succeed if we work together. Public and private sector collaboration are of the essence here and we are happy to be working together with WTTC on the post COVID-19 recovery, and value its contribution to UNWTOs Global Crisis Committee, where we gather other leading private sector bodies, our members and key UN agencies. We are united in the common goal of tourism’s comeback to generate benefits going far beyond our sector. Trust and tourism will catalyse consumer demand, investments and jobs, thus generating opportunities for all.”

His Excellency Mr Ahmed Aqeel Al-Khateeb
Minister of Tourism, Saudi Arabia

"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."

Rita Marques
Secretaria de Estado, Visit Portugal

"Portugal has been commited in reassuring our tourists they will always have the best experience in our country. This stamp, together with our “Clean & Safe” program, is one step further in reassuring everyone that we take care, our destination is focused on recovery and trust is at the core of our business."

Carlos Joaquín
Governor of Quintana Roo

“Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean have implemented the new safety measures for travellers that WTTC has recognised and approved through the Safe Travels stamp.”

Hon Najib Balala, EGH
Minister for Tourism and Wildlife - Republic of Kenya and Chair of the World Tourism Organization Executive Council

“Tourism has become one of the most important economic industries in the world today with jobs generated by travel and tourism spread across the global economy. It has a forward and backward effect throughout the value chain, with direct and indirect interlinkages with other sectors such as agriculture, retail, manufacturing, telecommunications, building and construction, transportation, among others. It’s time that the world realizes that tourism is key as it’s not just about employment, but about survival and that’s why reopening while guided by coordinated and collaborative protocols, we not only save lives in terms of health but also livelihoods in terms of the economy. We commend the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) for their commitment, effort and strategic global leadership in designing and developing the WTTC’s global safety stamp and Safe Travels protocols. The protocols shall ensure that Tourism and Travel continue to globally impact the world populace livelihoods and sustain lives. Whilst Magical Kenya's reputation as a top African tourist destination has always managed to place the country as a leader in the industry, our dedication to health, safety and security of our visitors, seamless experience and top-class service is paramount. As Magical Kenya, we are looking forward to welcome all guests and relive our magical moments. Feel safe to travel to a certified Magically Healthy Destination that have health and safety protocols endorsed by the WTTC safe travel stamp. Kenya, the Magic Awaits!”

Angela Gittens
Director, ACI World

“Our industry has been brought to a standstill. A balanced and effective restart and recovery of the global travel and tourism sector depends on collaboration among the key participants in this ecosystem and we welcome the ambitious approach taken by the WTTC. Collaboration will help to establishing a globally-consistent approach to recovery which will be the most effective way of balancing risk mitigation with the need to enable travel and foster economic recovery while also reassuring the travelling public that health and safety remain the overall priorities.”

Antonio Jiménez
Director Gerente, Congresos y Turismo de Sevilla

"Seville applauds the Safe Travel initiative of the World Travel Tourism Council –WTTC, presenting the sector with a series of global protocols aimed at restarting the travel and tourism industry. It will undoubtedly serve to restore confidence to the traveler, but on everything, so that he can travel safely again. We are living an unprecedented situation affecting our life styles, business models and economic sectors, being the Meetings & Events Industry specially hit by this turmoil.
The WTTC Safe Travel protocols for Convention Centers, Meetings and Events are a consistent framework for the revitalization of our activity focused on health, hygiene, physical distancing and safety across all relevant functions. Its implementation will provide coherence and orientation to destinations and countries, but will also act as a guide for different international key players, such as, travel providers, operators, retail, different tour operators ... etc. and finally, the traveler.
For all these reasons, Seville, which is working on the elaboration of an ambitious Tourism Promotion Plan 2020/2021 that reformulates the municipal tourism policy with the purpose of recovering activity, unconditionally supports the initiative of the WTTC and recognizes its leadership and invaluable help in the recovery work worldwide in these difficult and exceptional times for the sector."

His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri
Director General, Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism)

“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.”

Dr Khaled El-Enany
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Egypt

“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.”

Almudena Maillo
Concejal Delegada, Turismo del Ayuntamiento de Madrid

"In the city of Madrid we are fully committed with the health, safety and security of our visitors. In the evolution we are leading for tourism recovery, it is crucial that our industry implement measures and protocols to regain confidence in travel. We support and applaud this WTTC Safe Travels initiative as it matches the needs of travellers and tourism sector, with clear safety and health recommendations, allowing businesses to easily provide their clients a visual identification that the Safe Travels protocols are being implemented."

Avinash Gopee
Chairperson, Tourism Authority – Republic of Mauritius

"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."

Mehmet Nuri Ersoy
Turkish Minister of Culture & Tourism

“Turkey has been a role model for the world during COVID-19 with its well-established health system and treatment methods. We have also pioneered setting the direction for safe tourism with a certification program for normalization of tourism and we are now glad to see WTTC bringing the efforts to a global level."

H.E. Mrs. Nikolina Angelkova
Minister of Tourism for Bulgaria

“Tourism is a cause, it brings a better future for all, and we can solve crises and challenges together. In this regard, we welcome the Safe Travels initiative by WTTC that will ensure a swift recovery of the Travel & Tourism Sector and restore the trust of the travellers. The COVID-19 crisis in our country undoubtedly has shown that only united - the government, the business, and the citizens, with timely held measures can limit the spread of the virus. Bulgaria has always been an attractive tourism destination and we will continue to welcome tourists with the same hospitality and warmth."

Marian Muro
Director General, Tourism Barcelona

"First of all, we wish to congratulate the WTTC for this initiative. Right now, Barcelona's priority is focusing on the adoption of the appropriate security measures and protocols to make our visitors feel safe through the establishment of the BCN Safe City project and other innovative tools. Public and private sectors are working closely together to offer security and confidence to the tourism and travel industry in their activity at Barcelona. We are leaving a reactivation of demand and a great interest in traveling to our Mediterranean and innovative city. Therefore, and in order to strengthen that trust, we consider the global protocols designed by the WTTC to be essential, which will allow the travel and tourism industry to align around the same global health and safety guidelines that will help protect travelers on their trips."

Raki Phillips
CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

"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."

Msc. Maja Pak
Director General of the Slovenian Tourist Board

"The Slovenian Tourist Board is proud that Slovenia is one of the first countries in the world with recognized Safe Travels Protocols approved by the World Travel and Tourism Council. Our instant reaction, strong will to help the tourism recover as soon as possible, and our common efforts with all the stakeholders have resulted in the GREEN & SAFE label, which represents Slovenia’s commitment to responsible, green, and safe tourism. Slovenian destinations are already among the most sustainable and trustworthy in the world. Together with the GLOBAL SAFETY STAMP this upgrades our sustainable practices with new responsibilities towards local communities and everyone who comes for a visit. The GREEN & SAFE development and communication platform is becoming the common key to Slovenia’s improved reputation as a tourist destination. Our commitment to sustainability, natural and cultural sights that do not attract mass tourism, clean and preserved nature, as well as care for the well-being of local inhabitants and visitors led us years ago to begin addressing new challenges in tourism. Today, in the era of the COVID-19, the high hygienic and safety standards approved by the World Tourism & Travel Council and good communication about our sustainability and boutique character are our new normal, and we are 100 % committed to respecting that. I am furthermore convinced that safety and sustainable measures are not only an obligation but also an opportunity and common mission of the Slovenian tourism and travel industry."

Ivan Liptuga
President, National Tourism Organization of Ukraine

"This is very good initiative of WTTC to make these protocols for every link in tourism product value chain. One of NTO Ukraine core activities is quality management and implementation of international standards into practice for sustainable tourism development in Ukrainian destinations. Implementation of WTTC protocols and distribution of Safe Travel Stamps is perfect instrument for safety and security management and also great marketing tool which attracts attention and differentiate socially responsible businesses from others."

Beth Potter
President & CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario

"We've been working to align Ontario's tourism business protocols with the global standards, and welcome the opportunity to join this global campaign. A global approach to a seamless travel experience is essential to recovery. The Safe Travels stamp will be a great way to provide that signal of trust with our future guests."

Norbert Kettner
Managing Director, Vienna Tourist Board

“Safety is a basic need for every traveler – in times of Covid-19, it becomes more important than ever. Vienna, having received several awards as one of the world's most livable, safest and smartest cities, is proud to be part of the "Safe travels" initiative. Vienna's participation is not only an internationally clearly perceptible message to travelers and thus an asset in destination marketing, but also signals the commitment and promise of quality of Vienna’s Visitor Economy to all guests. Vienna thereby joins a high-quality league of top destinations that give priority to the well-being of their guests. We are proud to be part of it. I thank the World Travel & Tourism Council for this initiative!”

Glenn Mandziuk
President & CEO, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

“The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) represents a regional destination in British Columbia, Canada, comprising 90 communities and over 4000 tourism industry stakeholders. As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we are ensuring that health and safety continues to be of the highest priority. TOTA received the WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Destination Award in 2018 and we are proud to align with the Safe Travels initiative. In partnership with the British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network, TOTA is providing tourism businesses with meaningful, one-on-one support to navigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, understand the relief programs and reopening protocols, and work towards eventual recovery and long-term resiliency. Our goal is to strengthen the support we offer our stakeholders now and in the future and to reinstill confidence and rebuild trust. TOTA will continue to follow our regional pledge, “Seven Affirmations for Seven Generations”, drawing on Indigenous values as the guiding principles for realizing sustainable tourism in the Thompson Okanagan region.”

Sergey Korneev
The Chairman of the Committee for Tourism Development of Saint Petersburg, Russia

“A fast and effective recovery of the Travel & Tourism industry will require a coordinated approach. The northern capital is the first Russian city to adopt the protocols recognised through the WTTC Safe Travels stamp, and our main priorities as a major tourist centre, is ensuring safety and reducing risk factors during the journey. “We are confident that the Safe Travels stamp will serve as a signal of trust and confidence and will be an opportunity for the city to attract many more visitors."

Luís Araújo
Presidente, Turismo de Portugal

"Turismo de Portugal congratulates WTTC for this Protocol for Attractions which reinforces our initiative "Clean and Safe Stamp” and brings an additional and useful tool for our stakeholders. It’s very important that all destinations in the world are prepared to welcome tourists in a safe and transparent way."

Dr. Emad Hijazeen
Secretary General of the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities

“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.”

Mohamed Ali Toumi
Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Tunisia

"Tunisia has successfully contained the Coronavirus outbreak. Thanks to the strict and proactive measures undertaken by the government, Tunisia has managed to bring the situation under control. Today, we are proud to be the first country in North Africa to reopen our borders, by June 27th. We are fully committed to the health, safety and security of both our guests as well as our travel and tourism staff, and to that end, we have established a health protocol for each part of the tourism value chain. The Anti-COVID Health Protocol for Tunisian Tourism, which is consistent with WHO recommendations and European Standards, has just been acknowledged with the Safe Travels Stamp by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), demonstrating that our destination is ready and safe to welcome guests from around the world to enjoy a pleasant and safe experience in Tunisia. We are proud of this accomplishment and of our partnership with WTTC."

Carlos Villaro Lassen
Secretary General, European Holiday Home Association

“The European Holiday Home Association (EHHA) acknowledges the WTTC’s protocols to promote consistent standards across short-term rental industry on health, safety, and by doing so, rebuild trust and confidence with travelers to travel again when the circumstances allow it. The safety and well-being of our guests, employees, hosts, entrepreneurs, property managers, property owners and the wider community remains our top priority. The EHHA members will continue to develop and enhance their platforms, tools, and educational resources, in line with EU’s, Member States, ECDC, WHO guidance and WTTC protocols and to help their hosts, property managers, property owners and employees to adjust to consumer and communities’ needs—all to keep protected. The EHHA stands ready to further work with WTTC on the topic and is grateful for WTTC for giving an opportunity for the sector to share its best practices.”

Ronella Tjin Asjoe – Croes
CEO, Aruba Tourism Authority

“The world is adapting at a rapid pace as it pertains to having a "new normal". Tourism as we know it has come to a sudden stop. Aruba is rising to the occasion and joining in the effort and evolving as a tourism destination to be better equipped to continue to serve both visitors and locals. Prior to the announcement of re-opening borders, Aruba has been collaborating closely with its business community to proactively and jointly elevate the sanitation and health standards expected of our destination. International collaboration will accordingly fortify the consistent approach we need to implement on the rocky road to recovery, and we believe the WTTC protocols/ stamp will assist in the necessary global consistency. The Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.), the Destination Marketing and Management Organization, created, in collaboration with the department of health and all tourism partners/ stakeholders, the Aruba Health & Happiness Code (HH Code) - which includes the different (service) providers visitors may encounter during their visit, as such covering the entire supply chain of possible tourism touch points. We wholeheartedly believe this is the sensible step to reassuring visitors that everyone’s health and safety are Aruba’s priority when offering our warm hospitality.”

Iván Eskildsen
Minister of Tourism, Panama

“For us as the Hub of the Americas, restoring confidence for travellers and tourists, will be a key factor for the reactivation of our industry and our economy. The #SafeTravels stamp is a great way of building trust, aligning the protocols we have developed with our Ministry of Health with WTTC standards, so that travellers can have a safe journey through our country.”

Pedro Joaquin Delbouis
Mayor of Cozumel Island, México

“The island of Cozumel in Mexico already implements health security measures that generate confidence in travelers who come to its Caribbean beaches. Today Cozumel is a reliable destination in Mexico, committed to the health security of it's visitors and also to promoting tourism recovery in Mexico and the world. Cozumel has proven to be a safe destination. For more than 500 years, since the arrival of its first travelers from the old world, Cozumel has been an island full of hospitality, culture and natural beauties that make all its visitors return to their beaches. In addition to its friendly people and underwater treasures, today Cozumel also offers a health protection plan within all local businesses. More than 600 companies from our island have already registered for the new certification in health protection and prevention in tourist facilities of the Q.Roo State Government, which follows the Safe Travels protocols of the WTTC. The reopening of Cozumel to tourism has already begun. Rest assured that we are working on the island to protect our health, our nature, our culture and continue offering our beautiful island to future generations of world travelers.”

Carlos Mendoza Davis
Governor of the State of Baja California Sur

“It is an honour to have our State included in the list of destinations using the Safe Travels stamp; we are hugely supportive of the global protocols as the health and safety of our travellers is our priority. The tourism destinations within our state are ready to receive travellers with open arms and to contribute to the reactivation of the sector in the country."

Mauricio Vila
Governor of Yucatan

“Yucatán is an example when it comes to security and best practices, we are now looking to become that example in terms of biosecurity for tourism. We are delighted to be recognised with the Safe travels stamp from WTTC.”

Gustavo J. Segura
Minister of Tourism, Costa Rica

“For the Costa Rican Tourism Institute it is a source of tremendous pride to be recognized by the World Travel & Tourism Council as a safe destination following review of 16 health and hygiene protocols, which were jointly developed by the public and private sector. We are committed to our tourists and eager that they can travel safely. This recognition, in addition, reinforces the international image of Costa Rica as a tourist destination, which fortunately is robust.”

His Excellency Wishnutama Kusubandio
Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia

“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.”

Belise Kariza
Chief Tourism Officer, Rwanda Development Board

“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.”

Hon. Dr. Hamisi A. Kigwangalla (MP)
Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Tanzania

“Tanzania is indeed well positioned to tap into the growing potential of the ever-expanding tourism industry. The Government of Tanzania re-opened its airspace for travel and together with the tourism private sector  developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that all tourism stakeholders have to adhere to prevent the spread of Corona Virus in the tourism related activities in the country. It is in the interest of the tourism industry in Tanzania that tourists stay safe while in the country and also the citizens of Tanzania remain safe.

Louis Lewis
CEO, Tobago Tourism Agency

“The WTTC Safe Travels stamp recognizes Tobago as a “safe destination” and is tremendously important for us as a destination promoting the island to potential visitors. Health and safety are the most important concerns for visitors at this time and it certainly endorses our efforts and gives us a competitive advantage in the marketplace.”

HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa
Chairman, Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority

“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.”

Kimarli Fernando
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairperson

“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.”

Nikolina Brnjac
Minister of Tourism and Sports, Croatia

“Croatia as a tourist country is very proud to cooperate with the WTTC during these rather tempting times. As a well-known European and Adriatic destination, we are doing our best to face all difficulties and to secure stability and safety for the local population and for all the travellers who have decided to visit us this year, despite all circumstances. To make the new normal possible, we have undergone great length to prepare necessary safety-protocols and measures, communicating to the public systematically all changes and updates. As a responsible holiday destination, we tried very hard to align everything as much as possible with all international security norms so that each proscribed step important for visiting our country could be easily accepted and understood by a large auditorium. We sincerely believe that, participating in the WTTC global protocols & stamp project ('Safe Travel') will be the next important step in securing/stabilizing not just the ongoing tourist season, but will also represent another important next step for the sustainable and smart future development of this very important economic sector.”

Hon. Moses Vilakati
Minister of Tourism & Environmental Affairs, Eswatini

“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.”

Chris Nassetta
WTTC Chairman and Hilton’s President & CEO

“We see green shoots of hope emerging as our global community turns its attention toward recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. But we know that travellers will only venture out into the world again when they feel it is safe to do so, making it critically important that we give them the confidence and peace of mind they need.
The global protocols WTTC has laid out are designed to align the travel and tourism industry around consistent health and safety guidelines that will help protect travellers wherever their journey takes them.”

Federico J. González
President & CEO, Radisson Hospitality
“We need to make sure that the travel industry speaks the same language and each consumer understands what safety means in hotels, regardless of their location. Having a common worldwide protocol will allow consumers to recognise the same safety standards wherever they travel. 

“The WTTC Safe Travels protocols will make this same language possible for the benefit of everybody in this industry. This is the reason why Radisson Hotel Group fully supports this initiative and is looking forward to helping expand the WTTC Safe Travels protocols as much as possible, across the globe.”

Desirée Bollier
Chair & Chief Global Merchant, The Bicester Village Shopping Collection

“The Bicester Village Shopping Collection is delighted to lend its Shopping Protocol methodology to the important Global Protocol initiative that the WTTC is leading.  As we face a new reality, it is fundamental to place the health and security of customers, partners and staff at the core business operations. So too, public and private must work together to share best practise and establish universally recognised guidelines to re-instil the trust and confidence of regulatory bodies, the traveller and, to accelerate travel and tourism recovery.”

Ariane Gorin
Group President, Expedia Business Services

“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.”

Arne Sorenson
CEO, Marriott International

“We appreciate the World Travel and Tourism Council’s efforts to develop and communicate the health and cleanliness steps the industry is taking globally to safeguard our associates and customers as travel resumes.”

Keith Barr
Chief Executive, InterContinental Hotels Group

“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.”

Sébastien Bazin
Chairman and CEO, Accor Group

"Welcoming, protecting and taking care of others is at the very heart of what we do as hoteliers. The dedication of owners and teams during this period is exemplary and our industry is doing everything it possibly can to meet accommodation needs as effectively as possible. Accor is proud to support the WTTC Safe Travels initiative thus building trust and getting the world back to traveling in the safest conditions."

Brett Tollman
Chief Executive, Travel Corporation

“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.”

Alex Zozaya
Executive Chairman, Apple Leisure Group

"Hello, I’m Alex Zozaya, Chairman of Apple Leisure Group and Vice Chairman of the WTTC for Latin America and the Caribbean, as all of you, I’m deeply concerned about the travel today all over the world, we must regain the trust on the traveler, we have to avoid the confusion and the uncertainty that prevails in the market today. The WTTC has created these universal protocols, that hopefully, as us, you will embrace happily. Thank you very much for your support."

Greg Webb
CEO, Travelport

"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."

Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio and Geoffrey J W Kent
Co-Chairman and CEO, Founder and Co-Chairman, Abercrombie & Kent

"WTTC is playing an essential leadership role in our industry by establishing the best practices in health and safety needed to respond to this unprecedented crisis and rebuild consumer trust and confidence. The continued advocacy, the #TOGETHERINTRAVEL campaign to show how travel brings us closer together, roll-out of global protocols and many other efforts by the WTTC and its members are all key to accelerating the recovery of the industry. Together we will set a new benchmark to guide operations as we restart and ensure the traveler experience is as safe and secure as we can make it."

Jane Sun
CEO, Trip.com Group

"For us and our partners, the safety of travellers is always our top priority. We are more than happy to see that WTTC is setting global standards to ensure a safe experience and bringing confidence back to all travellers. 
Whenever you are ready to take your next trip, we are here to support you."

Matthew D. Upchurch
Chairman and CEO, Virtuoso

“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.”

Glenn Fogel
CEO, Booking.com

"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."

Mark Hoplamazian
President & CEO, Hyatt

“At Hyatt, our top priority for welcoming guests and colleagues back to our hotels is doing it safely, with their health and holistic wellbeing in mind. With our Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment, we are taking broad action to build on our existing rigorous safety and cleanliness protocols in an effort to provide safe environments. As we look towards recovery for the travel and hospitality industries, it’s crucial that we collectively work to instill confidence and take steps designed to ensure peace of mind for travelers. As such, we are a proud supporter of WTTC’s Safe Travels initiative to advance traveler health and safety – throughout this pandemic, and beyond.”

Brian Chesky
Co-founder and CEO, Airbnb

"The desire to travel is deeply rooted in humanity. The industry will rebound and is critical to supporting the social and economic recovery of communities. Airbnb welcomes the WTTC's work to create health and safety protocols that protect communities and support governmental efforts to reopen economies."

SU Zhigang
Chairman & CEO, Guangdong Chimelong Group Co., Ltd

“Chimelong sincerely supports WTTC’s Safe Travels protocols and its efforts in the revival of our industry. It is crucial to regain confidence and establish trust amid the post COVID-19 recovery. Jointly collaboration to put in place global standard benefits both public and private sector. We are delighted to work together with WTTC to usher in the rebound and continuous prosperity of travel and tourism.”

Wei Qiu
Chairman, USUNHOME Group

“The pandemic will not prevent people from exploring the world. Setting the ‘Global Protocols’, WTTC plays a vital role in bringing about recovery, evolution and sustainability in the tourism sector worldwide. Usunhome Group looks very much forward to working with fellow members towards a brighter future.”

Enrique Ybarra
Founder, President and CEO, City Sightseeing Worldwide

"COVID-19 has paralysed the travel industry and changed our way of living, however, it is encouraging to see that some countries are managing to reduce infection and contagion, allowing them to return to business. While we are slowly getting back to a "new normal", we cannot forget the virus is still amongst us and all of us in the industry have to take the necessary measures to reduce the risk of contagion and make our customers feel safe. The Health and Safety Travel Protocols addressed by the WTTC are vital for the entire travel industry, as they will allow us to usher in an era of responsible tourism and allow people to resume discovering, exploring, and enjoying the world safely."

Hiromi Tagawa
Chairman of the Board, JTB Corp

"The Tourism industry has for objective to maximize the encounters between people, products, and information, in turn creating value at the local, regional, and international level. It is essential for us to establish global common protocols focusing on health and hygiene to maintain its value. Also, tourism as a human-centered industry, we always have to make the safety and wellbeing of travelers and associates our top priority. I have strongly believed that WTTC Safe Travels global protocols would be ideal common guidelines for all stakeholders of the tourism sectors in the age of new normal."

Pansy Ho
Executive Chairman and Managing Director, Shun Tak Holdings Group

“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.”

Darrell Wade
Co-founder and Chairman, Intrepid Group

"Safety and collaboration have never been more important, so its outstanding to see the travel industry work together as one to ensure the health and wellbeing of travellers, workers and community members."

Lisa Simon
Executive Director, International Inbound Travel Association

“The travel industry’s priority for recovery must be to protect the well-being of travelers and to rebuild their trust that health and safety measures are being consistently applied throughout their travel experience. We applaud this initiative by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) to develop global health and safety protocols for the new normal within every travel industry sector. IITA worked with the WTTC to adapt the protocols for the tour operator segment. We urge tour operators to adopt these standards and work with partners that also adhere to the WTTC’s health and safety protocols to reassure travelers that they can expect the same level of safety at all points throughout their trips. IITA members - U.S. inbound tour operators, suppliers and destination marketing organizations – are committed to best practices and protocols focused on health, hygiene and physical distancing to enable a robust recovery as conditions for international travel improve. ”

Pawel Niewiadomski
President, ECTAA – The European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations

"We need common guidelines for the elaboration of health and safety protocols developed by and for the industry, to help travel companies of all sizes and in all parts of the world to offer their customers a safe and enjoyable travel experience taking into account the Covid-19 constraints. We thank the WTTC for taking the initiative and putting together these guidelines in consultation with industry partners in such a short time!"

Steve Kaufer
CEO and Co-Founder, Tripadvisor

“We see the early signs of our industry's resiliency, but we also believe that restoring consumer confidence is the greatest accelerant to increasing traveler demand. Safety has always been top a priority for travelers, and the need to feel safe will only become more important in the months and years ahead. As the owners and operators of hotels reopen, travelers will want know what steps these properties are taking in order to keep them healthy. Tripadvisor applauds the WTTC and its Safe Travels initiative as the industry launches a common framework aimed at creating a safe, healthy and secure environment for guests during their stay. As a company, Tripadvisor will continue its work in partnership with the WTTC and others within the tourism industry to help travelers easily find health and safety information that gives them the confidence to plan their next trip.”

Jamie Rhee
Commissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA)

"Chicago's O'Hare and Midway International Airports are getting ready to reconnect the world to Chicago and Chicago to the world. The Chicago Department of Aviation is working hard to safely welcome passengers to our airports and we are following many of the same WTTC Safe Travels protocols to ensure everyone traveling through our airports are protected. Following these increased health, safety, and security guidelines ensures that we are all working together to provide a safe travel experience. We will return to the airports in safe and healthy ways and together travel will once again become a normal part of our lives."

Kike Sarasola
Founder & President, Room Mate

"We are living in difficult times. This pandemic is hitting all our industry very hard. We have to remember that this is a pandemic, it’s not an endemic problem, it’s not a systemic problem, it’s a pandemic which means it has a beginning and it has an end. The end will be when we have the vaccine.
It is very important that, in the meantime, we work together – the public and the private sector, to have protocols, to have new ideas, to make our tourists and our clients have sanitary tranquility; confidence to travel. We have to give back confidence to all the people who travel, to all the people who work and have to visit other countries or cities and we do that working together.
WTTC is promoting very good initiatives and I really think that’s the way to do it. We have to work together. We, as a private sector, know how to deal with our sector, and the public sector should listen to us.
We want to help. Please, let us help you."

Robin Ingle
CEO, MSH Ingle International, Travel Navigator, Novus Health

"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."

Yuji Akasaka
Representative Director, Executive President, Japan Airlines

"We would like to thank WTTC for their deep understanding of the aviation industry and for their worldwide support. At this moment I think the most important issue is that all members involved in tourism join forces and cooperate. I believe it is to overcome this crisis. Through WTTC’s widespread initiatives, we would like to work not only with the aviation sector but also with the tourism industry as a whole."

Gabriel Escarrer
Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, Meliá Hotels International

"Safe Travel and Health Confidence are the new priorities, and are here to stay; the pandemic is a common concern for companies and destinations throughout the world, and it is a shared responsibility for us to work together and offer global health & safety standards against COVID-19. We therefore welcome the Global standards approved by WTTC, that belong to all of us."

Deborah Flint
President and CEO, Greater Toronto Airports Authority

“Airports are one part of many organizations that form the travel and tourism ecosystem, to serve business and humanity’s need to connect. Together, we must work towards recovery from this crisis. That is why collaborating with partners like the WTTC on protocols for the new travel experience is important to us. A standardized approach, led by governments with input from industry, will allow us to ensure all safety measure are in place and is a critical step in building confidence in travellers, governments and ensuring resiliency for our industry.”

Sabina Fluxá Thienemann
CEO, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts

“This crisis has shown the importance of global coordination to overcome the vulnerability of the tourism industry and become more resilient. We cannot work with heterogeneous measures depending on each country: we must face the new scenario with global standards that guarantee the sustainability of our sector. It is very important to keep an eye on the medium and long term, and incorporate health safety as a new pillar of global sustainability. Health and environment will be the key axes of a resilient tourism policy.”

Carlos Muñoz
Managing Director, Hotelbeds

“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.”

Frank Rainieri
Chairman and Founder, Grupo Puntacana

“We have to congratulate the World Travel & Tourism Council for its leadership and publishing these global guidelines for the re-opening of our industry.
This pandemic has done significant damage to the value of our industry and we must lead this process of recovery and ensure people that the hospitality sector is safe with the best operational guidance and protocols to make our sector unique. The WTTC will help to renew the consumer’s confidence in travel which is the most important goal now to every one of us.”

Shirley Tan
Group CEO, Rajawali Property

“Tourism recovery is vital to prevent millions of people from being driven into extreme poverty. Rajawali Property Group, one of the leading hotel investment and development companies in Southeast Asia, fully supports WTTC global initiatives to bring together governments and private sectors to put in place critical global standards and protocols to ensure safe travel, accelerate global tourism recovery, and reshape travel & tourism industry for the future.”

David Peckinpaugh
President, Maritz Global Events

“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.”

Gordon Wilson
President, WorldReach Software

"The new Global Protocols provide an important framework to facilitate government and industry collaboration via a consistent set of guidelines to restore traveller confidence. The WTTC's Safe Travels & Seamless Traveller Journey initiative have greater urgency and an expanded role due to COVID-19. Health safety becomes a critical factor and combines the previous seamless travel goals with touchless processes, thereby helping the recovery of global travel."

Miguel Leitmann
Chief Executive Officer, Vision-Box

“As a leading forum of the travel and tourism industry, we are fortunate to have WTTC taking an important role in the formulation of trusted and clear travel standards in a post COVID-19 environment. Travel has become such an essential component of our daily lives, whether on business, vacation, or for personal reasons, that I am certain that we will soon be growing and thriving again. In the meantime, Vision-Box works closely with our clients and industry stakeholders to implement touchless identification and contactless clearance solutions that will enhance the safety and security of all travellers and staff members throughout the travel and tourism sector. Moving forward in this unprecedented time, the strength of our ongoing partnership with WTTC is key to recovery and success. Integrity, values and expertise drives our shared commitment to make our world a better place and we look forward to our mutual support, both personally and professionally.”

Zachary Rabinor
Founder, President & CEO, Journey Mexico

“The WTTC has worked diligently to create solid, clear standards to serve as a global industry wide standard for the new post-Pandemic health and safety protocols . It is vital that we collaborate to adopt one set of universally agreed upon protocols to maximize everyone’s health and safety while avoiding duplication of efforts, confusion, and competition along health and safety lines.”

Stacy Ritter
President & CEO, Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB

"How destinations present their various tourism products as safe to visitors will be the difference between success and failure. In Greater Fort Lauderdale, we are pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to the Convention Centres, Meetings and Events portion of the WTTC global protocols. Event venues, hotels, restaurants, arts and cultural entities, retail and transportation assets all need to collaborate at unparalleled levels to assure consumers that the entire tourism value chain is safe and secure. A coordinated approach to safety and cleanliness will be the winning formula."

Aileen Clemente
Chairman and CEO, Rajah Travel Corporation Inc

"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."

Hugo Desenzani
CEO, Libertador Hotels, Resorts & Spas

"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."

Carlos Berdegue
CEO, El CID Resorts

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

José Chapur
CEO, Palace Resorts

"WTTC has standed as a the “go to instution” in this Pandemic, and is taking the lead on the defining actions the industry has to take, to successfully overcome this problem, by designating worldwide standards both for the well being of our staff members, and as well, for the peace of mind of our clients."

Otto Ambagtsheer
CEO, VIA Outlets

“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.”

Ewald K. Biemans
Owner & CEO, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba

“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.”

Erkan YAĞCI
Chief Executive - Tourism Group, ZAF Group

"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."

Enrique Calderón
COO, Posadas

“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.”

Mr. Lim Boon Kwee
COO, DUSIT

“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!”