(TAN): The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has said full or partial travel restrictions continue to be implemented across the globe as people and their wellbeing are of utmost importance.
As the coronavirus pandemic keeps spreading worldwide, the decisions regarding travel are being made with public health as “the main concern”, the global organisation added.
The outbreak has had a tremendous impact on “every level of society” – it has not only affected lives, but has also made economies weaker. The tourism industry, 80% of which constitutes small and medium-sized enterprises, has been especially hit, leaving millions of jobs “vulnerable”.
The UNWTO is working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) to help people across the world fight the virus. They held a meeting in Geneva, Switzerland earlier this month to emphasise the significance of “international cooperation and strong leadership” under the present circumstances.
The UNWTO said everyone must take part in solving what it called a “shared challenge”. It urged people travelling for “vital humanitarian missions, essential business or to keep supply chains functioning” to act responsibly at all times, and not put others’ lives in jeopardy. The organisation also stressed on the importance of following the safety measures laid out by the WHO in case of travel.
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Earlier this month, the UNWTO had said it was following public health protocols based on the recommendations of the WHO and the measures introduced by UNWTO’s host country, Spain. The organisation therefore suspended all UNWTO events planned until April 30, which will later be rescheduled based on recommendations from experts.
The UNWTO encouraged everyone to stay at home, adding “by staying home today, we can travel tomorrow”. It also said travelling would be crucial for the economies once the crisis is over, because it will boost employment, help entire communities and countries to recover, and cultures to flourish.
The UNWTO has directed its employees to work from home until the end of March in order to ensure their safety.
