– Vinayak Barot
New Delhi: To rebuild the Tourism and Travel industry post covid-19, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) sets new protocol for adventure travellers. WTTC had designed protocols to rebuild the global consumer confidence, reduce risk and encourage the return of Safe Travels.
According to WTTC’s protocol, they are looking for reopening of adventure tourism, which should see an increase in popularity as travellers seek more unique experiences post COVID-19. The measures help to set clear expectations of what travellers can experience in the ‘new normal’ which offer safe environments as travel restrictions are eased.
WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara said, “Adventure tourism is becoming increasingly popular amongst travellers and will represent a key component to travel in the new normal. According to our recently launched COVID-19 Travel Demand Recovery Dashboard, it is also one of the fastest growing segments, which is why it is vital to establish measures allowing safe travels for adventure travellers.”
“Consumer confidence is crucial for Travel & Tourism to resume. We know travellers will want to explore the world around them once more, so long as they are confident in their safety. The return of Travel & Tourism will help power the world’s much-needed economic recovery, which is why these protocols are so important,” Guevara said.
Complementing the private travel companies who have stepped forward and rallied around in support of the WTTC Safe Travels protocols, Guevara said, “They have created the consistency needed to allow a re-invigorated Travel & Tourism sector to re-open for business, the expertise from businesses large and small has contributed to define the new experience for travellers, and these robust global measures have been embraced around the world.”
Within these protocols, the adventure tourism industry refers to a wide variety of adventure tourism experiences including cycling, rafting, trekking, skiing, snowboarding, wildlife safaris and culinary tours, among others.
Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) CEO Shannon Stowell said, “As tourism professionals, our priority now is to see adventure travel come back strong, resilient and sustainably. WTTC and ATTA collaborating on global guidelines for adventure travel is a significant effort to support companies worldwide in re-opening as quickly and safely as possible.”
Over the coronavirus spread across the world. WTTC had previously issued details safe travel protocols for airlines, MICE, aviation, tour operators, hospitality, outdoor retail, attractions, car hire and short-term rental, which were widely endorsed and supported by top CEOs and business leaders globally.
According to WTTC’s 2020 Economic Impact Report, during 2019 Travel & Tourism was responsible for one in 10 jobs (330 million total), making a 10.3% contribution to global GDP and generating one in four of all new jobs.
