WTTC creates new guidelines to restart global tourism safely

The two organisations signed a “memorandum of collaboration” earlier this week for the project that is designed to ensure the protection of travel and tourism employees, as well as travellers, as the global industry emerges from the pandemic.

The initiative will include guides to returning to work safely and carrying out risk assessments, as well as factsheets on maintaining good leadership and ways to improve mental health and wellbeing.

IOSH chief executive Bev Messinger said: “Restarting operations isn’t something which can happen overnight.

“There needs to be a planned, risk-controlled approach – based on strong leadership, worker involvement and sound health and safety advice – to ensure safe people, workplaces, systems and equipment.”

Gloria Guevara, chief executive of WTTC, added: “WTTC is delighted to partner with IOSH on such an important set of guidelines.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way we work, and we hope that at the right time companies begin to return to offices, with the right protocols and measures in place to protect and safeguard their staff.

“Consumer and employee confidence is a key component in the recovery of the travel and tourism sector, and we believe that these guidelines will play a significant role in that process.”