UNWTO: 40% of All Destinations Worldwide Have Eased Int. Travel Restrictions

According to the latest analysis from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), 40% of all destinations worldwide have now eased the restrictions they placed on international tourism in response to the ongoing global COVID19 pandemic.

This latest outlook, dated 19 July, is up from 22% of destinations that had eased restrictions on travel by 15 June and the 3% previously observed by 15 May. It confirms the trend of a slow but continuous adaptation and responsible restart of international tourism.

Of the 87 destinations that have now eased travel restrictions, just four have completely lifted all restrictions, while 83 have eased them while keeping some measures such as the partial closure of borders in place.

115 destinations (53% of all destinations worldwide) continue to keep their borders completely closed for tourism.

UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili said, “The restart of tourism can be undertaken responsibly and in a way that safeguards public health while also supporting businesses and livelihoods. As destinations continue to ease restrictions on travel, international cooperation is of paramount importance. This way, global tourism can gain people’s trust and confidence, essential foundations as we work together to adapt to the new reality we now face.”

On 30 July, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said that each country should conduct a risk-benefit analysis and decide on its priorities.

The decision process should include an analysis of the situation, taking into account the local context in countries of departure and destination. The WHO recommends that the following factors should be considered: local epidemiology and transmission patterns, the national public health and social measures for controlling the outbreaks in both departure and in destination countries; public health and health service capacity at national and subnational levels to manage suspect and confirmed cases among travellers, including at points of entry (ports, airports, ground crossings) to mitigate and manage the risk of importation or exportation of the disease; and the evolving knowledge about COVID19 transmission and its clinical features.

Any subsequent measure must be proportionate to public health risks and should be adjusted based on a risk assessment, conducted regularly and systematically as the COVID19 situation evolves and communicated regularly to the public.

The WHO also recommends that priority should be given to essential travel for emergencies, humanitarian actions (including emergency medical flights and medical evacuation), travel of essential personnel (including emergency responders and providers of public health technical support, critical personnel in transport sector such as seafarers and diplomatic officers), and repatriation. Cargo transport should also be prioritized for essential medical, food and energy supplies.

Sick travellers and persons at risk, including elderly travellers and people with chronic diseases or underlying health conditions, should delay or avoid travelling internationally to and from areas with community transmission.

The WHO has repeatedly said that there is no “zero risk” when considering the potential importation or exportation of cases in the context of international travel. Therefore, thorough and continuous risk assessment and management will help identify, reduce and mitigate those risks, while balancing the socio-economic consequences of travel measures, or temporary restrictions, against potential adverse public health consequences.

See also: Airports, Air Travel and COVID19 - Exclusive Interview with SITA's President of Asia Pacific, Sumesh Patel and Emerging Travel Trends in Asia Pacific - Interview with Two Senior Executives at Sabre.

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