Abta unveils guide to help destinations ‘restart’ tourism

The guide, available for free to Abta members, covers topics such as the customer journey, management responsibility, risk assessment, health, safety and security, as well as communication and the prevention of the spread of infection.

Abta’s Destinations team has created the guide with input from health and safety specialists such as BeSafe Ltd, IGI Ltd, Intertek Cristal, Preverisk Group, Professor Rodney Cartwright and Travelife for Accommodation.

Angela Hills, Abta’s head of destinations, said: “As we collectively embark on the road to restarting travel, it’s important that we continue to collaborate with and support relevant stakeholders to give confidence that people can travel safely again.

“Any changes to operations or safety practices as part of the recovery process should be made in a balanced and proportionate way, with the primary focus being the safety and wellbeing of staff and customers and should be in accordance with the legislation and public health requirements of the destination concerned.”

Abta has also developed a ‘Country recovery plans’ page within the membership zone on its website featuring Covid-19 guidance documents from governments and tourism associations.

The association will be holding a webinar, entitled ‘Destination Health and Safety for Post Pandemic Recovery’, on 1 July when insights from the new recovery guide will be discussed. The online event is free for Abta members and partners, while non-members can pay to attend.