Safer Tourism Seal suspended during Covid-19
The World Tourism Network (WTN) is temporarily suspending the Safer Tourism Seal, as Covid-19 cases are rising in many countries
The Safer Tourism Seal was an initiative by the ‘rebuilding travel’ discussion group, and is now part of the newly established WTN. Current applications will be worked on after the seal programme is resumed.
The seal aimed to build travellers’ confidence during the pandemic. Award holders represent the best in travel and demonstrate that safer travel is everyone’s responsibility.
WTN president Juergen Steinmetz said: “With Covid-19 infections increasing dramatically in many countries, it would not be responsible to continue with the Safer Tourism Seal initiative. The seal was mostly awarded and based on self assessment, and never meant to be a guarantee for safety, but an encouragement.
“WTN will resume issuing Safer Tourism Seal in the future, and once we feel the time is appropriate. We also encourage similar initiatives by other organisations or entities to take a more conservative approach.”
Tourism Hero award to continue
The Tourism Hero award by World Tourism Network will continue to honour those that go beyond expectations and to make a difference to the travel and tourism industry. There is no cost to nominate anyone or to receive the award.
The World Tourism Network is a network of more than 1,000 travel professionals in 124 countries. WTN was officially launched in December 2020.