WTTC launches first-ever global safety stamp to recognise safe travels

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched the world's first-ever global safety and hygiene stamp. 

The specially designed stamp will allow travellers to recognise governments and businesses around the world which have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols so that consumers can experience "Safe Travels", a press release said.  

The landmark move by the WTTC, which represents the global travel and tourism private sector, has also received the backing of the influential United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). 

Eligible businesses such as hotels, restaurants, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, restaurants, outdoor shopping, transportation and airports will be able to use the stamp once the health and hygiene protocols, outlined by the WTTC, have been implemented. 

Destinations will also help to award the stamp of approval to local suppliers. The launch of global protocols to recover the travel and tourism sector has been embraced by over 200 CEOs, including some of the world's major tourism groups. 

Trip.com and Expedia have also supported WTTC's initiative to reassure travellers, and bring back confidence to travel and tourism. 

Gloria Guevara, WTTC president and CEO, said: "We are delighted that the UNWTO is supporting the private sector global protocols and our efforts as public-private collaboration is critical to ensure a faster recovery.

"We have learned from past crises that global standard protocols and consistency provides confidence for the travellers. Our new global safety stamp is designed to help rebuild consumer confidence worldwide."

Gloria said the global private sector has rallied around Safe Travels protocols for the first time ever which will create consistency across the sector. 

"Implementation by governments around the world will restore the much-needed confidence in order to restart the travel and tourism industry."  

According to WTTC's 2020 Economic Impact Report, during 2019, travel and tourism was responsible for one in 10 jobs (330 million in total), making a 10.3 percent contribution to global GDP and generating one in four of all new jobs.