A new Safe Travels Stamp program has been launched in Canada to assist tourism operators and reassure consumers that health and safety protocols are being taken seriously.
“Consumer confidence is crucial for travel and tourism to resume,” said Gloria Guevara, president of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in a press release. “We know travellers will want to explore the world around them once more, so long as they are confident in their safety.”
The Safe Travels Stamp is an international symbol designed to allow travellers to recognize governments and companies around the world, which have adopted health and hygiene, standardized protocols so consumers can experience "safe travels."
The WTTC recently selected the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario to administer the Safe Travels Stamp in Canada.
“When they [customers] see the ‘Safe Travels Stamp’ has been awarded to the destination or hotel they’re planning to visit they will know that they are upholding the highest standards of health and safety and demonstrating they are adhering to the global health protocols issued by the WTTC,” said Beth Potter, president and CEO of TIAO.
Launched on the international stage in May, the WTTC says, 1,200 companies have already adopted the new protocols, and destinations across the Americas, Europe, the Caribbean, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific have already been awarded the stamp.
Protocols for the program were developed in conjunction with the current World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control guidelines.
The WTTC also consulted with a number of international tourism industry leaders, such as Marriott, Emirates, and United Airlines.
The program has tourism businesses divided into different sectors to provide more specific protocols, and, guidelines have been broken into four pillars - operational and staff preparedness; delivering a safe experience; rebuilding trust and confidence; and implementing enabling policies.
Examples of new safety protocols include: Reducing participant capacity limits for activities as appropriate to allow for physical distancing; providing clear, consistent, and up-to-date communication on new health and hygiene protocols via the organization’s channels, both digitally and physically through clear signage; and promoting contact tracing apps, if required by local legislation.
Eligible companies such as hotels, restaurants, tour operators, attractions, short-term rentals, outdoor shopping, and transportation, must apply for the program through TIAO and will be approved by the WTTC once the required health and hygiene protocols have been implemented.
Once approved, companies are able to display the Safe Travels Stamp on their website at no cost.
“We’re excited to be leading the Safe Travels Stamp process in Canada and helping to rebuild consumer confidence in the tourism industry,” Potter added.
