Global Covid travel tool to help restore international tourism
The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have launched a tool that tracks country entry requirements for post-Covid travel
The UNWTO-IATA Destination Tracker is a free, online tool for governments to provide information on Covid-19 requirements for travel and the measures in place at destinations, and its overall aim is to help boost confidence in travel to help restore global tourism to pre-pandemic levels.
The tool includes information on Covid-19 indicators, including infection rates, positivity rates, and vaccination rollout by destination/country; air travel regulations, including test and quarantine requirements, provided by IATA’s Timatic solution; and destination measures, including general health and safety requirements such as where the use of masks in mandated, how to transit through a country, curfew restrictions, or regulations related to restaurants and attractions, provided by national tourism organisations.
Enabling travellers to make informed decisions
Commenting on the launch of the UNWTO-IATA Destination Tracker, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, said: “UNWTO is pleased to reinforce its partnership with IATA, a UNWTO Affiliate Member, to provide this important tool. Travellers and companies will be able to check requirements in place for air travel, as well as what measures will be in place at the visited destination. We trust this tool is also critical for governments to track existing travel restrictions and support the safe restart of our sector.”
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director-General, added: “It has been more than a year since the freedom to travel was lost as Covid-19 measures saw borders close. When governments have the confidence to re-open borders, people will be eager to travel. And they will need accurate information to guide them. With the support of national tourism organizations, the UNWTO-IATA Destination Tracker will help travellers and travel companies obtain the latest information for travel planning.”
In November 2020, UNWTO launched a new International Code for the Protection of Tourists, also to help restore confidence in international travel.