The WTTC on Thursday (14 May) welcomed an EU initiative to restart tourism this summer, stressing it fully supported the European Commission’s stance on quarantine in particular.
"We agree these should not be necessary if appropriate and effective containment measures are in place at departure and arrival points for flights, ferries, cruises, road and rail transport," said WTTC president and chief executive Gloria Guevara.
The global travel industry has been outspoken in its condemnation of quarantine on arrival measures this week after the UK and Spain both announced new restrictions for arrivals.
Iata warned quarantine risked slowing the recovery of the travel sector, while Balpa said the UK government’s proposal could cause "huge economic harm". Trailfinders boss Toby Kelly, meanwhile, called for "more workable" solutions to the issue.
Ideas put forward by the sector include pre and post-flight health checks; Covid-19 screening and medical certification; contact tracking and tracing via new apps; and, through a combination of these measures, a move towards "immunity" or "digital health" passports.
The WTTC said with coronavirus now impacting 6.4 million travel and tourism jobs across the EU, the European Commission’s tourism and transport package – announced earlier this week – set out a welcome coordinated approach to easing restrictions and restoring mobility.
The council added it hoped the measures would herald "a phased restart of travel across Europe this summer" while protecting the health and safety of travellers and travel sector employees. It also comes after the WTTC issued its own "safe travel" protocols.
“We are delighted the European Commission recognises the strategic importance of the travel and tourism sector, not only to the European economy, but also to boost jobs, said Guevara. "Its initiative acknowledges the sector is in a critical situation, which needs a long-term pathway to recovery.
“WTTC has been in constant discussions with the European Commission and we encourage all member states to follow these important guidelines. Strong coordination and cooperation across Europe will avoid unilateral and fragmented measures which would only lead to confusion and disruption for travellers and businesses alike."
On quarantine, Guevara said: "We urge member states to carefully reflect before deciding whether arrivals need to self-isolate as this would be a major deterrent to travel and put those countries at a competitive disadvantage.
"We call on governments to find alternative solutions rather than maintaining or introducing arrival quarantine measures, as part of post-pandemic travel restrictions.
"Once a traveller is tested and confirmed as safe to travel, further restrictions such as quarantines should not be necessary."
