WTTC calls for rethink on 'high-risk' countries
- Health & Leisure
- Monday, 08 February 2021
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) is calling for governments to abandon the concept of ‘high-risk countries’ and instead focus on how individual ‘high-risk travellers’ are treated at borders.
WTTC says governments around the world should redefine their whole approach to risk assessment to revive international business and leisure travel.
"A common international consensus on the metrics used to assess risk and a laser-like focus on a cost-effective, comprehensive and rapid departure and arrival testing scheme for all travellers could pave the way forward for the meaningful return of travel,” said Gloria Guevara, WTTC president and ceo.
"It would also ensure only those affected are forced to isolate, while travellers who test negative can continue to enjoy safe travels through observing hygiene protocols and mask wearing.
“Risk based on entire countries is neither effective nor productive.
"Redefining risk towards individual travellers instead will be key for unlocking the door to the return of safe international travel. We need to learn from past experiences and crises such as 9-11.
“We cannot continue labelling entire countries as ‘high-risk’, which assumes everyone is infected. While the UK is currently seeing high levels of infections, clearly not all Britons are infected. The same goes for all Americans, Spaniards, or the French."